Storms unveiling treasures: hidden shipwrecks emerge in the Atlantic
Each storm brings destruction, floods, and flooded streets to the Atlantic coast of the United States. But among the ruins, unexpected finds also appear: ship fragments and objects that were hidden under the sand or reefs for centuries.
### The power of storms and hidden mysteries
Experts in underwater archaeology claim that cyclonic surges and strong winds stir up both the seabed and beaches, exposing parts of shipwrecks that were believed to be lost forever. The most surprising aspect is that one does not need to be a professional diver to find them: many times, a simple walk along the shore after a storm is enough to discover historical pieces.
In places like South Carolina and the Bermuda Islands, the density of shipwrecks is so high that each storm can rewrite part of maritime history.
### The “Graveyard of the Atlantic” and the Bermuda Triangle
The coast of North Carolina is known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” There lie more than a thousand sunken ships, from Spanish galleons to German submarines from World War II.
Bermuda, on the other hand, is surrounded by coral reefs that have claimed over 300 vessels since the 16th century, fueling the legend of the Bermuda Triangle. The local government protects dozens of shipwrecks open to the public and works on the cataloging of hundreds more, many of which resurface partially after hurricanes.
The fascinating aspect is that these discoveries are not reserved only for researchers: recreational divers and even curious tourists have been the first to detect historical remains that are later officially studied.
### Surprising finds after hurricanes
In the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a local recently discovered hull fragments protruding from the dunes. Alongside them were gold coins from the 17th century, which could make it the oldest shipwreck found in the state, even predating the famous Queen Anne’s Revenge of the pirate Blackbeard.
In South Carolina, storms not only uncover ship remains but also fossils hidden for thousands of years. After a hurricane, a local fossil search company found a bone from an Ice Age monk seal, a piece now exhibited in a museum.
These discoveries not only generate scientific excitement but have also become a tourist attraction that motivates divers, adventurers, and collectors to explore beaches and reefs after each storm.
