Hunt For Missing Ship Memorializing US Founding Father Sunk in 1770s Resumes
The hunt for the missing Continental Sloop Wasp is officially back on, as the search for the iconic 18th century vessel has resumed. The ship was famously owned by one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and its location has remained a mystery since its sinking in the 1770s.
The Wasp was the first official ship of the United States Navy, owned by South Carolina Senator and Declaration of Independence signer, Arthur Middleton. As the mystery of its location has persisted for centuries, renewed interest has arisen for the wooden sloop of war.
The Background of the Controversial Continental Sloop
The Continental Sloop-of-War, Wasp, was initially meant to be part of the Continental Navy to fight against the British during the Revolutionary War. The War ultimately ended before the Wasp could take part in hostilities, and the ship ended up being sold to private ownership in 1782.
Sailing with a small crew, the Wasp eventually became part of a fleet commanded by Queensberry during the American-Moroccan War in 1784. On the morning of August 2nd, 1777, the sloop set off from a Spanish port only to find itself crippled by a fierce storm and ultimately disappearing shortly after.
Gun Mystery Solved
Until recently, the fate of the Wasp was a mystery and the exact location of the wreckage unconfirmed. However, recent advances in maritime archeology and non-invasive oceanographic techniques have allowed researchers to answer at least one of the burning questions surrounding the ship: the location of her guns.
Two of the six original guns have been located on the ocean floor and have been yet another testament to the ship’s life and legacy. These guns were originally part of an armada meant to protect American ships from capture; now, they will stand as a reminder to the courage and legacy of the American Revolution.
The Remaining Mystery
While the location of two of the gun batteries may be accounted for, the ship’s hull remains elusive. The wreckage of the Wasp has still not been found, making the search for the ship a unique and unique challenge.
What the Search Entails
The search for the Wasp is being undertaken with the help of thousands of students from diverse geographical regions and backgrounds. Using computer simulations, 3D mapping technology, and a vast network of resources, the project is meant to uncover the lost history of the United States and honor its important naval heritage.
The search effort is being led by American hero, Underwater Reasearch Director, and highly experienced maritime archeologist, Dr. Robert Ballard. He is bringing all of his knowledge and skills to bear on the hunt for the ship and to finally provide the final clue to the true story of the Continental Sloop-of-War.
The Renowned Expedition Team
In addition to Dr. Ballard, the project also features a renowned team of maritime researchers and conservationists, including members of the Nautical Archaeology Program of the University of Southampton and the New York-based Institute of Exploration.
The team is taking a multi-faceted approach to uncovering the long-lost vessel. This includes a combination of history, archeology, and maritime science to create a comprehensive tool kit of resources and technologies. This allows the expedition to cover a wide range of searches, which include the use of:
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
• Side-Scan Sonar
• Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles
• Remote Sensing Technology
The Goals of the Mission
In addition to uncovering the story of the vessel, the goal of the project is to attempt to locate the hull of the Wasp, ensuring that the ship’s infinite impact on American history is finally remembered and honored.
If the team does succeed in locating the vessel, the discovery would yield a world of information about some of the earliest ships in the American Navy. Not only would this serve to provide a new level of understanding of America’s naval history, but it would also create a powerful reminder of the country’s roots and the work that remains to be done.
The Impact of the Discovery
The discovery of the final resting place of the Continental Sloop Wasp would be a powerful reminder of one of the most crucial periods of American history and the brave men and women who served to make it possible.
Aside from the importance of the nation’s maritime heritage, the discovery of the Wasp would also bring great closure to the Arthur Middleton family. Not only would the mission offer an infinitely personal experience for the Middleton’s, but the ship’s legacy would finally be remembered and honored in the greatest sense.
What the Future Holds
With the efforts of Dr. Ballard, a team of experts, and countless students and volunteers, the hunt for the Continental Sloop Wasp is officially back on. With new advanced technology, expanded resources, and a motivated team at the helm, the discovery of the Wasp or discovery of her lost artifacts could bring the ultimate break in the journey of learning the ship’s fate.
The expedition is estimated to take between two to four months to complete, with a large team of researchers working tirelessly to uncover the fate of the Wasp and memorialize the contributions of the brave men and women who made it possible.
