The Oktant wreck

[Richard Lundgren]

This wreck that we found during the first summer of wreck hunting 2000 is yet to be identified and its fate still linger in the shadows.

We believe that this one sank sometimes during 1700. We were intrigued by the many barrels resting on the sea bed. We believed, or more correct, hoped for cognac but after one of our braves found a broken up one we could rule this option out. He found something white messy that he brought up to the surface. On the boat he looked at it for a long time with a rather confused face expression - then he tasted it! Eureka! It was Guano - bird shit used as fertilizer back then

We only dived this one once but we might get back there someday and shoot some HD video. We have an old DV video here: http://www.ocean-discovery.org/Video/OktantBredband.wmv

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[Ingemar Lundgren]

Here are some more pictures of various items caught in the net of the fisherman that gave us the position. He specializes on laying nets on the wrecks. He claims that he catch loads of cod on old wooden ships. Needless to say this fisherman is a great resource and we have found quite a few wrecks on his favorite fishing sites.. Some of these items give good clues.

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[Ingemar Lundgren]

A few more pictures. My personal estimation is that the wreck is from late 1700 to early 1800.

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[Thomas]

Hi Ingemar,

maybe you already have researched this, but anyway... the inscription on the compass "Batenburg & Co. Rotterdam" leads towards the company of the same name. I have found indications of compasses from same company ranging from approx. 1790 to approx 1900. So in between this span of years your wreck should have foundered.

Did the octant have any markings ?

Best regards
Thomas

[Ingemar Lundgren]

Thanks Thomas. I didn´t have much time to examine the octant. I only took some quick pictures.

[Staffan von Arbin]

The windlass, as well as the blocks, suggests that the ship is from the mid 19th century or later, definitely not earlier. The clay pipe should be possible to date within a few years. I suggest that you contact Arne Åkerhagen (Tobaksmuseet) who is an expert on clay pipes. Good luck with the identification of the wreck!