Developmental deep-water archaeology: a preliminary report on the investigation and excavation of the 19th-century side-wheel steamer SS Republic, lost in a storm off Savannah in 1865

As man explores and works deeper in the oceans of the world more shipwrecks and evidence of submerged prehistoric landscapes are likely to be discovered. However, the physical characteristics of the deep-water environment do not make it easy for man to work there. Access requires the use of high-tech ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), manned submersibles and the technology that goes along with them. The new discipline of deep-water marine archaeology is in its infancy and often questioned by traditional academics with regard to its relationship with the commercial sector. However, in order to advance marine archaeology to the present state of terrestrial archaeology, a relationship between the private and academic sector is necessary. During the last 15 years deep-water archaeological investigations have successfully been conducted in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Norwegian Sea. These successes were due to collaborative efforts of the archaeologists, scientists and technicians familiar with the advanced underwater systems necessary. More projects in the future that combine technology and sound archaeological practices will contribute significantly to the development of acceptable deep-water archaeological methodologies. In 2003 Odyssey Marine Exploration of Tampa, Florida located the wreck of the 19th century side-wheel paddle steamer SS Republic lost in approximately 500 meters of water in the hostile environment of the Gulf Stream while en route from New York to New Orleans with post-war supplies and currency. The excavation of this site constituted the most extensive deep-water archaeological investigation ever carried out to date. This paper summarizes the results of the work and raises questions on the future of deep-water archaeology.