A temporary holding tank, constructed of cinder blocks and large tarps, was prepared for storage of the recovered timbers. A data base inventory was completed for the several dozen videotapes recorded over the past three years. A film crew successfully tested a video-transmission from the shipwreck site to Duke University Marine Lab. This is in preparation for QARlive , a week-long program scheduled for Fall 2000 during which school children around the state will be able to communicate directly with research divers working on the shipwreck. While accomplishments in the field were limited, the most important objective was completed - the removal of the fragile timbers threatened by future hurricanes.
Predictions are for an active hurricane season in the Atlantic for the coming year.
Since researchers are preparing for full-scale recovery beginning next year, time on shore was well spent by setting up the conservation laboratory, testing equipment and developing data management systems. Excavations are planned for the fall to complete the objectives of the spring dive by removing artifacts from a 20' x 30' area where disturbance has been the greatest during catastrophic storms. It will also allow researchers to study cultural materials associated with the hull structure to gain a better understanding of what part of the vessel this area represents and what natural processes have effected the site since Queen Anne's Revenge sank.