Definitive identification of wood samples taken from a massive shipwreck that suddenly showed up on the beach at Cape Ray over the winter is expected to take some more time, but archaeologists are zeroing in on dating the vessel.
Provincial archaeologist Dr. Jamie Brake says samples of metal nails and fasteners point to a construction period some time after 1832.
“It looks like our original idea that this was a 19th century vessel…seems to be supported by what we’ve seen so far.” In fact, says Brake, it’s likely the ship was actually constructed in the latter half of the 19th century.
Photo Credit: Gordon Blackmore and Vanessa Hodder
As for the ship’s origins, that will be determined by work now underway on wood samples taken. A member of Memorial University’s Department of Geography is currently analyzing the wood to conduct a dendrochronology and compare it to known samples around the world. Brake is expecting that work will be completed in the not-too-distant future.
All things considered, Brake says it will still be difficult to positively identify the wreck based on the sheer number of vessels lost along that area of coastline.
What remains of the vessel have been successfully removed from the water for preservation and possible display. Brake says they’re more than happy to lend some advice on best ways to preserve the wreck.
