WASHINGTON DC (9 Oct 2006) -- U.S. marine scientists have identified a shipwreck found in the waters of the recently designated Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration team of marine archeologists says the wreck, found July 3 at Kure Atoll, is that of the 258-foot iron hulled cargo ship Dunnottar Castle. The discovery was made during the first research expedition to the area since it was designated a marine national monument June 15. Built in 1874 and home-ported in Scotland, the three-masted, full-rigged ship was carrying coal from Sydney, Australia, to Wilmington, Calif., when it struck the reef at full speed in July 1886. 'The Dunnottar Castle is an incredible heritage resource from the days of the sailing ships ... when our maritime commerce was driven by steel masts and canvas, and by wind power and human hands,' said Hans Van Tilburg, maritime heritage coordinator for the Pacific Islands regional office of the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program. | | Marine archaeologist diving on the wreck of the Dunnottar Castle. (NOAA) The wreckage was discovered by Brad Vanderlip, a volunteer with the state of Hawaii division of forestry and wildlife. SOURCE - UPI |
