Maritime archaeology is an interesting field as it is a window into a world that lies preserved, sometimes at unattainable depths. Archaeologists with East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies stumbled upon one such hoard of wreckage. The colonial waterfront features in Brunswick County, North Carolina, had multiple shipwrecks, according to East Carolina University (ECU). The features were at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site (BTFA), one of which could be of La Fortuna, a Spanish privateer from Cuba. It exploded near the colonial wharves at Brunswick Town during an attack at the end of King George’s War in 1748.
Finding Wood Remains Underwater
The team collected wood samples that indicated the use of raw materials by the shipbuilders from Spanish Caribbean colonies in the 18th century. Though more work was needed to confirm the identification, they believed it was the La Fortuna, according to CBS News. “I came across several wooden frames barely sticking out of the clay mud with evidence of planking just barely visible on the surface,” stated maritime studies graduate student Cory van Hees, who was part of the team. “I didn’t understand what I was looking at in that moment, but I knew I should relay the wooden structure to faculty,” Hees added, as it was confirmed by Dr. Jason Raupp, assistant professor in the Department of History and Maritime Studies, who led the team, to be a wreck.
🇺🇸A team from East Carolina University’s maritime studies program has identified four shipwrecks at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in North Carolina, including possible remains of La Fortuna, a Spanish privateer from 1748. pic.twitter.com/8UZUG9nwrQ
— NewsAspect (@newsaspect) August 8, 2025
A Possible Ancient Pirate Ship
Knewz.com noted that the wreck was discovered at a location near where an 18th-century cannon was found. The canon was thought to be from La Fortuna and was recovered in 1985. An “emergency recovery” was initiated to save the ship’s remains from further erosion and other underwater threats. They recovered more than 40 pieces of timber from what they believed was the La Fortuna. Though the site itself had broken apart, the recovered pieces had a degree of preservation and also carried some tool markings left by the original builder. The collected wood was transferred to the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology for further examination.
A Collection of Past Shipwrecks
It was forwarded to Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Laboratory at ECU’s campus in Greenville for storage and conservation treatment. The discovery was made during ECU’s summer field school at Brunswick Town and was a rare glimpse into the state’s colonial maritime history. The team also recorded a vessel likely used to expand waterfront land, a colonial flatboat used to ferry goods, and an unidentified wreck barely visible above the riverbed, according to Arkeonews. They also mapped the infrastructure of the colonial port, including a marsh causeway, two timber-crib wharves, and artifacts reflecting trade, daily life, and military conflict…