Every shipwreck tells a story, a frozen moment in time resting beneath the waves. For us divers, exploring these underwater museums is an unparalleled adventure, a chance to connect directly with history. But what if we told you that the world of shipwreck discovery is getting even more thrilling? Groundbreaking technology is pulling back the curtain on mysteries once hidden in the deepest oceans, and it means more incredible underwater heritage is being brought to light.
So, how are these lost pieces of history found? Forget old, tattered maps marked with an ‘X’! Today, marine archaeologists and explorers have some seriously cool tech in their toolkit.
It often starts with sonar. Imagine painting a picture of the ocean floor using sound – that’s essentially what advanced sonar systems do. Sidescan sonar, often towed behind a ship or mounted on a robotic vehicle, sends out fan-shaped pulses of sound. When these pulses bounce off something like a shipwreck, they create an image, revealing the tell-tale shapes of lost vessels on the seabed. Multibeam sonar goes a step further, creating detailed 3D maps of the seafloor, highlighting any unusual lumps and bumps that could be a long-lost ship.
To cover vast areas of the ocean, especially in deep water, explorers deploy Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). These untethered robotic explorers are like underwater detectives, pre-programmed to swim over the seabed and collect data with their sophisticated sensors. And with so much data being collected, smart software and artificial intelligence are increasingly used to help scientists sift through mountains of information, spotting potential wrecks much faster than human eyes alone ever could.
Once a promising target is identified, especially if it’s lying in waters too deep or dangerous for human divers, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) often become the explorers’ eyes. These tethered robots, controlled by a team on a surface vessel, can “fly” down to the wreck, sending back live high-definition video and capturing stunning photographs. They allow for hours of detailed inspection without the limitations of human diving.
The level of detail these technologies can capture is astounding. Using a technique called photogrammetry, thousands of overlapping digital photographs taken by ROVs or divers are processed by sophisticated software. The result? Incredibly detailed, measurable, and photorealistic 3D models of shipwrecks and artifacts. It’s like having a perfect digital replica of the wreck that can be studied from any angle, preserving a snapshot of the site as it currently exists.
These 3D models are so good they can even be used to create virtual reality “dives” on famous wrecks like the RMS Titanic or other fascinating sites like the Christoforos wreck in Greece, making them accessible to everyone. But while a virtual tour is impressive, we divers know there’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a real shipwreck up close with your own eyes!
What does all this high-tech wizardry mean for you, the passionate wreck diver? It means that more shipwrecks are being discovered, identified, and understood than ever before. From legendary warships like the Mary Rose to everyday trading vessels, each new find adds another fascinating chapter to our shared maritime history and, excitingly, holds the potential to become a new dive site to explore.
While some of the most cutting-edge technology is used for exploring sites miles deep, the knowledge gained helps everyone better understand, appreciate, and protect these fragile underwater heritage sites. And who knows? The next “newly discovered” wreck accessible to divers might be just around the corner!
Ready to explore some of history’s submerged treasures for yourself? At Double Action Dive Charters, we share your passion for the stories and adventures that shipwrecks offer. While we might not be launching AUVs from our decks (not yet, anyway!), we can take you to some of the most captivating and accessible shipwrecks in our waters. Our experienced crew knows these sites intimately and is dedicated to ensuring you have a safe, memorable, and awe-inspiring dive.
Book your wreck diving adventure with Double Action Dive Charters today and immerse yourself in history!
© 2023 Double Action Dive Charters. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Website hosted and designed by Data Fanatics