In 1996, Divers Discovered Sunken Treasure in 20 Feet of Water Off the Carolina Coast. 15 Years Later, They Learned Who it Actually Belonged to

In 1996, a team of divers made an extraordinary discovery off the coast of North Carolina: a dozen cannons resting in 20 feet of water. Little did they know at the time that their find would lead them to an incredible revelation 15 years later. The divers suspected that the cannons were part of a shipwreck, and their intuition proved to be spot on.

The wreck, later confirmed by scientists, belonged to the notorious pirate Blackbeard. This fascinating turn of events unfolded just one day before the 278th anniversary of Blackbeard’s death in 1718. The team stumbled upon a trove of historical artefacts, including cannons that were later identified as belonging to the infamous pirate, along with a bronze bell dated 1709. These artefacts were found just two miles off the coast of Beaufort.

Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, was an English pirate known for his ruthless ways. He captured around 20 ships during his career and was feared for his cruel treatment of some victims. His theatrical persona included placing lit cannon wicks in his beard for a menacing effect, a detail later popularized in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Blackbeard’s reign came to a violent end when he was beheaded by British troops in 1718 on Ocracoke Island after running his flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, aground.

The divers involved in the discovery were confident in their findings, with over 30 cannons identified and more than 300,000 artefacts recovered. The excavation continued over the years, with significant discoveries made in 2006 and 2007, ultimately leading to the identification of the wreckage as Queen Anne’s Revenge by National Geographic in 2011. The sheer size of the wreck and the abundance of weapons found within were key indicators that pointed to the vessel’s connection to Blackbeard.

Today, the remnants of Blackbeard’s ship rest at the ocean’s bottom, while the precious artefacts retrieved from the underwater site are on display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. The journey of unearthing this historical treasure trove serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of pirate lore and the tangible link to a swashbuckling past that continues to captivate imaginations worldwide.