Mother-of-pearl and wrecks

A team of underwater archaeology specialists worked on the wreck of “La Thérésa” during an exploration mission from 12 to 26 March 2022 in the bay of Saint-Pierre.Archaeologists made dives at 20 meters, in order to clear the hull and furniture elements of the ship sunk by the eruption of May 8, 1902. This mission was an opportunity for one of the teams to make an inventory of the bottom of the harbor from the nautical center to the Guinguette. They may have been found due to the abundant presence of seagrass beds on the bottom, in which we find mother-of-pearls (such as oysters or mussels).The presence of these shells is a sign of a very good quality of the water, since the mother-of-pearl filters the water. There are many at the Guinguette, the Paillotte and the nautical center, at the Galère. Nevertheless, they are less present at the Guinguette probably because of the fishing effort.The most important concentration is at the Galère and the Paillotte. Regarding the archaeological assessment, experts have worked on the Theresa, but the Newfoundlander (for cod fishing) has not been precisely identified.Some Aubane jars were found (porter’s pieces), but logistical problems prevented the divers from completing their investigations. The research focused on the bow of the ship. Next step: Guy Lanoix from the University of the West Indies, partner of this mission is in charge of continuing the mission.

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