Shipwreck discovered on Cumberland Island

ST. MARYS, Ga. -- Archaeologists confirmed an undocumented shipwreck at Cumberland Island National Seashore. The wreck was discovered by Cumberland Island National Seashore maintenance staff during unusually high tides and surf.

According to a news release, it is the first documented shipwreck found along the shoreline since 1972. The wooden section that was found is about 80 feet long.

National Park Service archaeologists did excavations during the week of January 14. They reported that, because the boat is not intact, they were not able to determine its function. They think it was built in the mid-19th century, based on its construction.

The most prominent features of the section are more than 30 ribs and about 10 pieces of outer shell planking. The timbers are attached with pegs and treenails. Archaeologists took samples of the wood for identification.