Belfast Area High School students in Chip Lagerbom’s Archaeology class recently visited the foreshore shipwreck off Robbins Road in Belfast. Known as the Passy Wreck, the students investigated the vessel's remains to try and determine its age, function, type and fate.

This unit is just one part of the many pathways available to BAHS students to earn the Belfast Marine Institute’s endorsement and be awarded a Golden Snorkel for their graduation regalia. Students counted and measured the stringers (or futtocks), identified the keel, keelson, false keel, and mast steps. They also determined the overall measurements of the ship.

Using the BMI underwater metal detector, they were able to pinpoint metal spikes and fasteners in addition to the wooden treenails (or trunnels) used in its construction and repairs. Wooden ship parts were scrutinized for saw marks since straight lines indicating a hand saw or two person saw while a circular pattern of marks possibly indicate a circular or power saw. All evidence was noted and photographed and will be part of their analysis.

A final part of the project is to produce a scale-drawing of the wreck site, with identification of the bow and stern, and other pertinent data.

Click here for more information about the Belfast Marine Institute.