Working with the Comision and representatives of the Isabela National Park , Beeker assembled a team to evaluate the site and determine its potential to yield Fifteenth Century shipwreck remains. The colony was abandoned in 1498 and a new capital was located at Santo Domingo on the opposite coast. With funding from Nineteenth Star Productions of Indianapolis, this project is proceeding and promises excellent results. Two magnetometer surveys have located about 15 anomalies in the mud bottom. This approach has been approved by the Comision, and their staff has assisted in underwater archaeological studies to date.
All artifact remain the property of the people of the Dominican Republic.
It is hoped that if successful, an exhibit of Columbian-era artifacts will travel to the US for educational purposes. It became apparent in working with the Faro a Colon Museum in Santo Domingo that there were many other fascinating sites worthy of scientific study. Fortune smiled on the project when Don Peter Morales Troncoso , Governor of the Museum and President of the Patronato Rector of the East National Park was introduced to Charles Beeker and John Foster. Governor Morales arranged for the team to visit East National Park . He also introduced Sta.