Moving wreck artifacts

[Firediver32]

I dive a local wreck called the St Peter often, a schooner that sunk in the 1800's in lake Ontario. The local divers are kind of protective of her, as am I. The question is, I found one her large sail pulleys off the side on the bottom in the silt.... as it sits it will soon be buried never to be seen again Should I move it to the deck, so everyone can see it, or leave it be?

 

[texdiveguy]

Move it.....will do know good buried and lost forever. Remember even in those water conditions material break down still occurs....you should work out a plan with fellow local divers. IMO

 

[Jake]

I would say move it. It's not like you're hurting some mystical boat spirit in replacing the item. Then again, there might be laws prohibiting you from disturbing any aspect of a wreck.

I agree with texdiveguy: maybe include other divers on the plan to make sure that that's what the community wants. Is there a dive shop, university, or regular expeditionary team that might be considered "caretakers" of the wreck? If so, maybe approach them with the same question.

 

[aparootsa]

Every time a diver moves an artifact, a mermaid dies. By all means, if you want the mermaids to die, feel free to move the pulley so we lowly humans can appreciate a little piece of our miserable history.

In all seriousness, I'd recommend moving it unless there's a significant reason not to (exactly HOW protective are the locals?), as long as you get the ok from whomever's supposed to be looking after the wreck. I'm assuming there's nothing significant about the placement of the pulley and that it'll be put somewhere fitting...

 

[hnladue]

Move it to the deck......Just don't pi$$ off Martha!!!

 

[stevewirl]

move it . the world can see its beauty for a little longer

 

[rjack321]

The wreck has been there almost 200 years. Why do you think this artifact is soon to be buried? I suspect its probably fine where it is for another 100 years.

I don't have a problem moving it, but alot of times our view is significantly more narrow than the geologic timescales we think we're considering.

 

[stevewirl]

i dive on alot of wrecks . a storm can uncover an artifact but the next tide or storm can cover a beautiful thing forever .

that is why I think you sould move it . never remove just move

 

[Divin'Papaw]

To present another perspective, I'd say do nothing and let nature take it's course. Part of the beauty of wrecks is to see them change over time. They're not man-made attractions, except those intentionally sunk for divers, that need to be maintained as they are. They change with weather, currents, etc. Enjoy it while you can see it, tell others about it so they can also enjoy it, but I wouldn't move it onto the wreck. IMO it didn't come to rest there so it doesn't belong there.

 

[moneysavr]

just make it easy for a diver to snag it and sell it on E- Bay!