Rare North Carolina Shipwreck Discovery Stuns Scientists

A previously unknown shipwreck that may date back to the American Revolution has reportedly been discovered by marine scientists off the North Carolina Coast.

Researchers from Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of Oregon have uncovered the previously unknown shipwreck that may date back to the American Revolution, media reports said.

Using an underwater robot and a manned submarine, the expedition led by Cindy Van Dover, director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory, found the shipwreck in deep-sea waters on July 12.

"This is an exciting find, and a vivid reminder that even with major advances in our ability to access and explore the ocean, the deep sea holds its secrets close," Van Dover said.

Artifacts from the ship's wreckage include glass bottles, an iron chain, an unglazed pottery jug and navigational instruments, such as a metal compass, according to Duke University.

Revolutionary War-era shipwreck discovered off North Carolina coast http://t.co/MFKVixi7A5 pic.twitter.com/fR9szXQSd6

— newsobserver.com (@newsobserver) 17 июля 2015

Photos of the artifacts were examined by archaeologists who suggested that the wreck may date back to the late 18th or early 19th century.

#Shipwreck found off NC may date to American Revolution http://t.co/TeRZ8HvwP9 @UO_Research @NCStateResearch @WHOI pic.twitter.com/envcUfYsY3

— Duke Environment (@DukeEnvironment) 17 июля 2015

The marine scientists, who were on board a vessel from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, used the Wood Hole's unmanned vehicle Sentry and the manned submarine Alvin to track the shipwreck.

Interestingly, the lost ship was discovered after scientists were returning to the Blake Plateau area that they had already explored with sonar.

"It's ironic to think we were exploring within 100 meters of the wreck site without an inkling it was there," Van Dover said.

The find has already been reported to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Heritage Program, which is due to identify the shipwreck.