Not surprisingly, I suppose, Odyssey has come under fire from archaeologists and various sovereign governments for making a profit off the cultural heritage of whatever country happens to claim the wrecks. One of the major complaints against Odyssey is they don't provide scientific or much public access to their results. It might be argued that this series will allow them to share what they've discovered. Since I haven't seen the program, I can't swear that there's no attention paid to the history of the shipwreck or the science of the findings, but I guess we'll get a glimpse later today.
"The Diver: Regeneration". Sculpture by John Kaufman, located in the Thames River near Rainham, England. Photo by Andrew Wilkinson
- Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Online Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University
UNESCO and Odyssey
On a related note, on January 2, 2009, the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage went into effect. Twenty countries, not including the United States or the United Kingdom, have signed the convention so far. The convention is based on four principles:
- The obligation to preserve underwater cultural heritage
- In situ preservation as a preferred option
- No commercial exploitation
- Cooperation among states to protect the cultural legacy
Spain has signed the convention, and that country is currently locked in an intense, long term battle with Odyssey over the wrecksite called the "Black Swan." The Spanish government argues the wreck is that of the Nuestra Senora de la Mercedes, sunk in 1804, making it their property. Odyssey claims the site is a 'debris field', where pirates dropped treasure overboard: but they won't tell anyone where it is or reveal data proving (or disproving) their claims.
Comments
Kris, have you had a chance to watch any episodes of Treasure Quest? I had never heard of the 1744 HMS Victory shipwreck, until Odyssey found it and brought up 42-pound cannon from it on this show. I have also learned the history of the SS Republic, HMS Sussex, RMS Laconia, the Mercedes, and other ships because of Odyssey’s work.
No, I haven’t seen them. I’m really ambivalent towards Odyssey, to say the least, but mostly I just don’t have the time. Thanks for the update, please keep it up!
Modern day pirates.
Tell Spain to go pound sand. Let Odyssey continue to salvage and prove the identity then resolve in Federal Court under Maritime Law !
Spain forgot to tell how they stole those treasures from south america in the first place