Displaying items by tag: Haiti

13th May 2014

Haiti Shipwreck Could Be Remains of Columbus Flagship 'Santa Maria'

#SantaMaria - Christopher Columbus' voyage of discovery to the Americas more than 500 years ago is almost the stuff of legend today - but now marine archaeologists think they've found the remnants of his flagship, the Santa Maria.

The potential find off the north coast of Haiti - on what was then known as the island of Hispaniola - could give us a tangible connection to the stories we all learned at school about the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.

As The Independent reports, top archaeological investigator Barry Clifford says "all the geographical, underwater topography and archaeological evidence strongly suggests that this wreck is Columbus’ famous flagship."

And it's only happened because of a fresh look at images of the wreck taken more than 10 years ago, in the context of new dives to the site earlier this month.

Sadly the return dives saw various artefacts were missing, presumed raided by looters.

But it's hoped that the ship itself, if it is indeed confirmed as the one Columbus sailed to the New World in 1492, might be preserved in such a state that it could be raised and become an important tourist attraction for impoverished Haiti.

The Independent has much more on the story HERE.

Published in Historic Boats

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Alinghi Sails to be Cut Into Haiti Tents

The leftover sails and team clothing from the Alinghi campaign are to be shipped to Haiti for earthquake survivors, El Mundo has reported.

The Spanish newspaper says that the sails from the enormous catamaran will be re-cut into as many as 1,000 highly durable tents for earthquake survivors, with 65 cases of clothing also being flown out of Madrid today.

The sails will be re-cut and stitched on site, providing work for survivors.

Published in News Update

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.