The 'Deep Sea Indiana Jones' Warns: Looting of Shipwrecks is Getting Easier
Mensun Bound, the renowned maritime archaeologist dubbed the 'Indiana Jones of the deep', has sounded the alarm about the alarming ease with which shipwrecks are being looted. In a recent interview, he shared his concerns about the impact of technological advancements on his lifelong battle against looters and plunderers.
Bound, who famously discovered Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance in 10,000 feet of water, expressed his fears that 'rogue organizations' now have the capability to access any part of the ocean. He emphasized the heart-wrenching decisions he has had to make regarding which shipwrecks to survey, citing a personal regret of turning away from Roman shipwrecks in his youth.
The archaeologist highlighted the devastating consequences of looting, recalling a Mediterranean 'virgin wreck' that was completely plundered within just five years of its discovery. He also mentioned the deepest known shipwreck, the USS Samuel B Roberts, which lies nearly 23,000 feet deep, and expressed concern that even this site could be vulnerable to future expeditions.
Bound's concerns extend to the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the ownership of rediscovered ships. The example of the San José, a Spanish galleon with an estimated cargo value of $17 billion, illustrates the disputes that can arise over who owns the treasure and artifacts found on these ancient vessels.
Despite the challenges, Bound remains dedicated to his mission, driven by a sense of duty to protect the maritime heritage of our planet. His work continues to shed light on the importance of preserving these historical sites, even as technology makes it increasingly difficult to safeguard them from looters.
