William is currently a professor at the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (한국해양수산연수원), APEC SEN. His primary research interests are in historic shipwrecks and their relationship to environmental conditions in the western Caribbean, with a particular emphasis on the 18th and 20th centuries. His most recent research has focused on historical hurricanes and the USS Kearsarge shipwreck, for which he earned a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from Korea Maritime and Ocean University. William served for about 18 years following a distinguished career with the Colombian Navy (ARC). He gained more than seven years of sailing experience by serving on-board and completing Command at Sea (Captain) of the oceanographic ship ARC Providencia, which conducted remote sensing surveys and hydrographic duties. He takes part in the Seaflower scientific expedition in the Western Caribbean as well as navy archaeological projects. He has experience working in the offshore oil and gas industry and was a lecturer on subsea technology. He is an oceanographer with a master's degree from the World Maritime University (M.Sc.)(a United Nations University) and the National War College (M.A). He co-founded the observatory "Galeon San Jose" (https://elgaleonsanjose.com/).
The Mariner's Mirror The International Quarterly Journal of The Society for Nautical Research, 2024
Since the 1970s, the Caribbean has been a hub for nautical archaeology, often focusing on Europea... more Since the 1970s, the Caribbean has been a hub for nautical archaeology, often focusing on European naval ordnance as evidence of early modern maritime occupation. The mid-nineteenth century ushered in a new military context with rapid American expansion, introducing contemporary innovations in American naval artillery. This study delves into the significance of American naval ordnance in the late nineteenth-century Caribbean, with a focus on its potential for revealing new imperialism and evolving regional dynamics in the archaeological record. It analyses the late nineteenth-century naval operational context in the Caribbean, concentrating on USS Kearsarge and its guns’ history from 1862–94 and its loss on Roncador Cay. Primary sources provide insight into their evolution associated with the wreck site, with emphasis placed on Dahlgren shell guns as a potential identifying feature.
From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Car... more From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Caribbean Sea and faced significant navigational challenges at the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States exerted economic and military influence on the region, due to its guano resources and proximity to the Isthmus of Panama and Nicaragua. As a result, the Archipelago has a rich maritime cultural heritage, including several shipwrecks caused by the area’s complex geography and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres. This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwa... more This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) in Colombia. These challenges include Spanish galleon shipwrecks, limited international cooperation, and the lack of legal recognition for sunken military vessels under domestic law (Law 1675 of 2013). To address these issues, this article reviews the concepts of warship and sovereign immunity as they relate to the status of sunken military vessels. The study places a particular focus on the USS Kearsarge, a military shipwreck in Colombian territorial waters protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004 (SMCA) of the United States. Additionally, it analyzes the legal frameworks and management of UCH in both Colombia and the United States, as well as providing two lists of Colombia’s sunken military vessels and foreign sunken military vessels in its waters. The research concludes by highlighting the complexities of managing UCH in Colombia and offering a p...
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2024
In the early nineteenth century, the Western Caribbean, particularly the Archipelago of San Andre... more In the early nineteenth century, the Western Caribbean, particularly the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina, became the focal point of ambitious hydrographic surveys. Despite the region's rich maritime heritage, challenges posed by complex geomorphology, frequent hurricanes, and cold fronts led to historical charting inadequacies, turning the Archipelago into a perilous ship trap. This study delves into the Spanish Armada (1804-05) and the Royal Navy (1833-36) hydrographic surveys to interpret the Maritime Cultural Landscape (MCL) of the archipelago. The importance of the archipelago as a link between South America, the Isthmus of Panama, Havana (Cuba), and Europe highlights the significance of these surveys. A comparative analysis of the Spanish and British methods offers insights into their strategies amid the perilous survey environment. While integration of Spanish nautical information into the British survey is evident, it culminated in the wreck of HMS Jackdaw, illustrating mapping expedition complexities. This paper also evaluates the accuracy of British cartography using Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies. By overlaying the 1835 Old Providence Island chart onto contemporary 2021 cartography, we showcase the standards and precision of British surveys through an analysis of coastline and hydrographic soundings. Personal memoirs, official records, and descriptive accounts weave the narrative of the rich MCL, emphasizing its historical importance, the region's maritime identity, and the intertwining of environmental factors and cultural heritage.
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2021
This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over... more This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over the past three decades. It also presents the limitations for the scientific community imposed by the Submerged Cultural Heritage Law 1675 of 2013, implemented for the commercial salvage project of the Spanish galleon San José, sunk in 1708. This new legislation opposes basic archaeological principles as well as the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Finally, this paper proposes some considerations about the risks and uncertainty for the future development of underwater archaeology in Colombia. Keywords Colombia • Underwater archaeology • Legislation • Heritage management Resumen Este artículo resume el desarrollo y estado actual de la arqueología subacuática en Colombia, teniendo en cuenta las últimas tres décadas. De igual forma se presentan las limitaciones para la comunidad científica debido a la Ley 1675 de 2013 sobre patrimonio cultural sumergido, implementada para permitir un proyecto comercial sobre el galeón San José, hundido en 1708. Esta nueva legislación se opone a los principios de la arqueología, así como a los de la Convención de UNESCO de 2001. Finalmente, este trabajo plantea algunas consideraciones acerca de los riesgos y la incertidumbre en torno al futuro desarrollo de la arqueología subacuática en Colombia. Palabras clave Colombia • arqueología subacuática • legislación • gestión de patrimonio
From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Car... more From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Caribbean Sea and faced significant navigational challenges at the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States exerted economic and military influence on the region, due to its guano resources and proximity to the Isthmus of Panama and Nicaragua. As a result, the Archipelago has a rich maritime cultural heritage, including several shipwrecks caused by the area’s complex geography and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres. This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Car... more From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Caribbean Sea and faced significant navigational challenges at the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States exerted economic and military influence on the region, due to its guano resources and proximity to the Isthmus of Panama and Nicaragua. As a result, the Archipelago has a rich maritime cultural heritage, including several shipwrecks caused by the area’s complex geography and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres. This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwa... more This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) in Colombia. These challenges include Spanish galleon shipwrecks, limited international cooperation, and the lack of legal recognition for sunken military vessels under domestic law (Law 1675 of 2013). To address these issues, this article reviews the concepts of warship and sovereign immunity as they relate to the status of sunken military vessels. The study places a particular focus on the USS Kearsarge, a military shipwreck in Colombian territorial waters protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004 (SMCA) of the United States. Additionally, it analyzes the legal frameworks and management of UCH in both Colombia and the United States, as well as providing two lists of Colombia’s sunken military vessels and foreign sunken military vessels in its waters. The research concludes by highlighting the complexities of managing UCH in Colombia and offering a prospectus on the future of the USS Kearsarge wreck site as shared heritage. Ultimately, this study underscores the need for a more comprehensive legal framework and greater international cooperation to ensure the preservation and protection of sunken military vessels in Colombia.
Colombia has hundreds of historical shipwrecks, but systematic research on this topic is scarce, ... more Colombia has hundreds of historical shipwrecks, but systematic research on this topic is scarce, which makes locating wreck sites problematic. Colombia is home to the Caribbean archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. Its complex environmental conditions make it a “ship trap”. On 2 February 1894, the USS Kearsarge ran aground on Roncador Cay, one of the Archipelago’s islets, and the location of the wreck site remains uncertain. Due to its role in the American Civil War, the Kearsarge is important naval heritage. Based on historical and cartographic records, orthophotographs, Landsat images, and light-detection-and-ranging (LiDAR) data, this study aimed to estimate the location of the wreck site in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Court-martial records, particularly nautical data and astronomical coordinates, were reviewed, including a study from 1894 indicating the wreck’s location on a map without coordinates. Nautical charts were also analyzed to find t...
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2021
This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over... more This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over the past three decades. It also presents the limitations for the scientific community imposed by the Submerged Cultural Heritage Law 1675 of 2013, implemented for the commercial salvage project of the Spanish galleon San Jose, sunk in 1708. This new legislation opposes basic archaeological principles as well as the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Finally, this paper proposes some considerations about the risks and uncertainty for the future development of underwater archaeology in Colombia.
Revista Científica General José María Córdova, 2020
Este artículo analiza los riesgos de seguridad física de las plataformas y unidades móviles de ex... more Este artículo analiza los riesgos de seguridad física de las plataformas y unidades móviles de exploración y explotación de hidrocarburos costa afuera (offshore) en el mar Caribe colombiano. Para ello, se hace una revisión conceptual, se estudia la literatura relevante y se analizan los riesgos resultantes. Una vez establecidos los criterios de clasificación y medición, se examina el impacto y la probabilidad de ocurrencia de eventos violentos que pudieran afectar estas plataformas y unidades. Como resultado, se concluye que la mayoría de riesgos son de tipo asimétrico, con un nivel de probabilidad baja y media de ocurrencia, entre los cuales se destacan el terrorismo y las acciones hostiles entre Estados por su potencial impacto. Se propone ejercer mejor control del territorio marítimo en pro de la seguridad marítima y energética.
El presente artículo analiza la expansión que tuvo la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias desde el sigl... more El presente artículo analiza la expansión que tuvo la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias desde el siglo XVIII, en cuanto a infraestructura de defensa militar, para protegerla de los ataques de los ingleses, se realiza un análisis detallado de las condiciones océano-atmósfera, utilizando técnicas modernas de acoplamiento de información espacial para llevar a cabo el análisis morfológico que tuvo este importante puerto. Además se describen las principales edificaciones militares tales como la escollera de Bocagrande construida por Don Antonio de Arévalo en 1773, la cual produjo cambios sucesivos al litoral de la bahía de Cartagena. Este artículo realiza un análisis multitemporal de la evolución de la línea de costa con cartografía recopilada desde los años 1665 hasta la época actual donde se describen como la influencia de la corona española tuvo fuerte impacto a la hora de determinar la ubicación estratégica militar para defender los tesoros que allí se guardaban y como estos han interact...
... Meisel Adolfo. Banco de la República, Universidad Tadeo Lozano Cartagena, 2000. Historia Gene... more ... Meisel Adolfo. Banco de la República, Universidad Tadeo Lozano Cartagena, 2000. Historia General de Cartagena Tomo IV. Lemaitre Eduardo Bogotá, Banco de la Republica. Cartagena de Indias en el siglo XX. Samudio Alberto Banco de la República, Universidad Tadeo ...
"The largest museum in Colombia is beneath the Caribbean Sea." As a native-born and raised in Ca... more "The largest museum in Colombia is beneath the Caribbean Sea." As a native-born and raised in Cartagena de Indias, this article reveals the author's relationship to and inspiration from the galleon San Jose. Additionally, the essay discusses the ship's brief history and three lines of scientific research targeted at enhancing Colombia's capacity building in the areas of underwater cultural heritage, maritime policy, and science and technology.
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2021
This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over... more This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over the past three decades. It also presents the limitations for the scientific community imposed by the Submerged Cultural Heritage Law 1675 of 2013, implemented for the commercial salvage project of the Spanish galleon San José, sunk in 1708. This new legislation opposes basic archaeological principles as well as the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Finally, this paper proposes some considerations about the risks and uncertainty for the future development of underwater archaeology in Colombia.
Previous studies suggest that tropical storms and hurricanes are among the leading causes of ship... more Previous studies suggest that tropical storms and hurricanes are among the leading causes of shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea since 1492. This paper will explore the relationship between shipwrecks and hurricanes in the Western Caribbean, particularly Roncador Cay, a place with complex environmental conditions that have made this area a trap for ships, but has up until now, been without rigorous shipwreck analysis. This study covers the period 1492 to 1920 with search results of 23 shipwrecks and 37 tropical cyclones compiled in databases, reviewing seven wrecks already documented and revealing new information on 16, previously not recorded. The sources provide detailed shipwrecks, demonstrating that most accidents occurred by unspecific causes and no direct relationship with hurricanes but were influenced by environmental conditions, such as geomorphology, cold fronts, or currents. There is also a reflection on the sociocultural changes and the influence of power in the region. The study includes a suggested tool for future research, protecting the wreck site and emphasizing the importance of the underwater cultural heritage as an indicator of the active maritime past.
The United State Ship (U.S.S.) Kearsarge, a Sloop of War, is considering the most famous and glor... more The United State Ship (U.S.S.) Kearsarge, a Sloop of War, is considering the most famous and glorious ship of the American Civil War after sinking the Confederate State Ship (C.S.S.) Alabama, in 1864 in France. It also represented technological innovations in the second half of the 19th century, combining steam power and sails. After shipwreck on Roncador Cay, Colombia, in 1894, it was abandoned with the armament onboard (seven guns). This paper aims to analyze the causes of the U.S.S. Kearsarge marine accident from the sociocultural factors and environmental conditions, examining the court-martial records, logbook, testimonies, nautical material, and geography in this part of the Caribbean Sea. The article will explore an episode in the United States naval history from a shipwreck that left a mark in the United States (U.S.) Navy and American society from geopolitical and technological context. A court-martial declared guilty of negligence the two o cers with the highest rank on board the same year of the accident. The court determined human error from the Commander and lack of support from the navigation o cer during the loss of the U.S.S. Kearsarge.
The Mariner's Mirror The International Quarterly Journal of The Society for Nautical Research, 2024
Since the 1970s, the Caribbean has been a hub for nautical archaeology, often focusing on Europea... more Since the 1970s, the Caribbean has been a hub for nautical archaeology, often focusing on European naval ordnance as evidence of early modern maritime occupation. The mid-nineteenth century ushered in a new military context with rapid American expansion, introducing contemporary innovations in American naval artillery. This study delves into the significance of American naval ordnance in the late nineteenth-century Caribbean, with a focus on its potential for revealing new imperialism and evolving regional dynamics in the archaeological record. It analyses the late nineteenth-century naval operational context in the Caribbean, concentrating on USS Kearsarge and its guns’ history from 1862–94 and its loss on Roncador Cay. Primary sources provide insight into their evolution associated with the wreck site, with emphasis placed on Dahlgren shell guns as a potential identifying feature.
From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Car... more From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Caribbean Sea and faced significant navigational challenges at the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States exerted economic and military influence on the region, due to its guano resources and proximity to the Isthmus of Panama and Nicaragua. As a result, the Archipelago has a rich maritime cultural heritage, including several shipwrecks caused by the area’s complex geography and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres. This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwa... more This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) in Colombia. These challenges include Spanish galleon shipwrecks, limited international cooperation, and the lack of legal recognition for sunken military vessels under domestic law (Law 1675 of 2013). To address these issues, this article reviews the concepts of warship and sovereign immunity as they relate to the status of sunken military vessels. The study places a particular focus on the USS Kearsarge, a military shipwreck in Colombian territorial waters protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004 (SMCA) of the United States. Additionally, it analyzes the legal frameworks and management of UCH in both Colombia and the United States, as well as providing two lists of Colombia’s sunken military vessels and foreign sunken military vessels in its waters. The research concludes by highlighting the complexities of managing UCH in Colombia and offering a p...
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2024
In the early nineteenth century, the Western Caribbean, particularly the Archipelago of San Andre... more In the early nineteenth century, the Western Caribbean, particularly the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina, became the focal point of ambitious hydrographic surveys. Despite the region's rich maritime heritage, challenges posed by complex geomorphology, frequent hurricanes, and cold fronts led to historical charting inadequacies, turning the Archipelago into a perilous ship trap. This study delves into the Spanish Armada (1804-05) and the Royal Navy (1833-36) hydrographic surveys to interpret the Maritime Cultural Landscape (MCL) of the archipelago. The importance of the archipelago as a link between South America, the Isthmus of Panama, Havana (Cuba), and Europe highlights the significance of these surveys. A comparative analysis of the Spanish and British methods offers insights into their strategies amid the perilous survey environment. While integration of Spanish nautical information into the British survey is evident, it culminated in the wreck of HMS Jackdaw, illustrating mapping expedition complexities. This paper also evaluates the accuracy of British cartography using Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies. By overlaying the 1835 Old Providence Island chart onto contemporary 2021 cartography, we showcase the standards and precision of British surveys through an analysis of coastline and hydrographic soundings. Personal memoirs, official records, and descriptive accounts weave the narrative of the rich MCL, emphasizing its historical importance, the region's maritime identity, and the intertwining of environmental factors and cultural heritage.
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2021
This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over... more This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over the past three decades. It also presents the limitations for the scientific community imposed by the Submerged Cultural Heritage Law 1675 of 2013, implemented for the commercial salvage project of the Spanish galleon San José, sunk in 1708. This new legislation opposes basic archaeological principles as well as the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Finally, this paper proposes some considerations about the risks and uncertainty for the future development of underwater archaeology in Colombia. Keywords Colombia • Underwater archaeology • Legislation • Heritage management Resumen Este artículo resume el desarrollo y estado actual de la arqueología subacuática en Colombia, teniendo en cuenta las últimas tres décadas. De igual forma se presentan las limitaciones para la comunidad científica debido a la Ley 1675 de 2013 sobre patrimonio cultural sumergido, implementada para permitir un proyecto comercial sobre el galeón San José, hundido en 1708. Esta nueva legislación se opone a los principios de la arqueología, así como a los de la Convención de UNESCO de 2001. Finalmente, este trabajo plantea algunas consideraciones acerca de los riesgos y la incertidumbre en torno al futuro desarrollo de la arqueología subacuática en Colombia. Palabras clave Colombia • arqueología subacuática • legislación • gestión de patrimonio
From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Car... more From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Caribbean Sea and faced significant navigational challenges at the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States exerted economic and military influence on the region, due to its guano resources and proximity to the Isthmus of Panama and Nicaragua. As a result, the Archipelago has a rich maritime cultural heritage, including several shipwrecks caused by the area’s complex geography and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres. This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Car... more From colonial times onward, Spanish and British vessels frequently sailed through the Western Caribbean Sea and faced significant navigational challenges at the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States exerted economic and military influence on the region, due to its guano resources and proximity to the Isthmus of Panama and Nicaragua. As a result, the Archipelago has a rich maritime cultural heritage, including several shipwrecks caused by the area’s complex geography and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres. This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwa... more This study examines the legal challenges related to preserving sunken military vessels as Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) in Colombia. These challenges include Spanish galleon shipwrecks, limited international cooperation, and the lack of legal recognition for sunken military vessels under domestic law (Law 1675 of 2013). To address these issues, this article reviews the concepts of warship and sovereign immunity as they relate to the status of sunken military vessels. The study places a particular focus on the USS Kearsarge, a military shipwreck in Colombian territorial waters protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004 (SMCA) of the United States. Additionally, it analyzes the legal frameworks and management of UCH in both Colombia and the United States, as well as providing two lists of Colombia’s sunken military vessels and foreign sunken military vessels in its waters. The research concludes by highlighting the complexities of managing UCH in Colombia and offering a prospectus on the future of the USS Kearsarge wreck site as shared heritage. Ultimately, this study underscores the need for a more comprehensive legal framework and greater international cooperation to ensure the preservation and protection of sunken military vessels in Colombia.
Colombia has hundreds of historical shipwrecks, but systematic research on this topic is scarce, ... more Colombia has hundreds of historical shipwrecks, but systematic research on this topic is scarce, which makes locating wreck sites problematic. Colombia is home to the Caribbean archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina. Its complex environmental conditions make it a “ship trap”. On 2 February 1894, the USS Kearsarge ran aground on Roncador Cay, one of the Archipelago’s islets, and the location of the wreck site remains uncertain. Due to its role in the American Civil War, the Kearsarge is important naval heritage. Based on historical and cartographic records, orthophotographs, Landsat images, and light-detection-and-ranging (LiDAR) data, this study aimed to estimate the location of the wreck site in a Geographic Information System (GIS). Court-martial records, particularly nautical data and astronomical coordinates, were reviewed, including a study from 1894 indicating the wreck’s location on a map without coordinates. Nautical charts were also analyzed to find t...
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2021
This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over... more This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over the past three decades. It also presents the limitations for the scientific community imposed by the Submerged Cultural Heritage Law 1675 of 2013, implemented for the commercial salvage project of the Spanish galleon San Jose, sunk in 1708. This new legislation opposes basic archaeological principles as well as the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Finally, this paper proposes some considerations about the risks and uncertainty for the future development of underwater archaeology in Colombia.
Revista Científica General José María Córdova, 2020
Este artículo analiza los riesgos de seguridad física de las plataformas y unidades móviles de ex... more Este artículo analiza los riesgos de seguridad física de las plataformas y unidades móviles de exploración y explotación de hidrocarburos costa afuera (offshore) en el mar Caribe colombiano. Para ello, se hace una revisión conceptual, se estudia la literatura relevante y se analizan los riesgos resultantes. Una vez establecidos los criterios de clasificación y medición, se examina el impacto y la probabilidad de ocurrencia de eventos violentos que pudieran afectar estas plataformas y unidades. Como resultado, se concluye que la mayoría de riesgos son de tipo asimétrico, con un nivel de probabilidad baja y media de ocurrencia, entre los cuales se destacan el terrorismo y las acciones hostiles entre Estados por su potencial impacto. Se propone ejercer mejor control del territorio marítimo en pro de la seguridad marítima y energética.
El presente artículo analiza la expansión que tuvo la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias desde el sigl... more El presente artículo analiza la expansión que tuvo la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias desde el siglo XVIII, en cuanto a infraestructura de defensa militar, para protegerla de los ataques de los ingleses, se realiza un análisis detallado de las condiciones océano-atmósfera, utilizando técnicas modernas de acoplamiento de información espacial para llevar a cabo el análisis morfológico que tuvo este importante puerto. Además se describen las principales edificaciones militares tales como la escollera de Bocagrande construida por Don Antonio de Arévalo en 1773, la cual produjo cambios sucesivos al litoral de la bahía de Cartagena. Este artículo realiza un análisis multitemporal de la evolución de la línea de costa con cartografía recopilada desde los años 1665 hasta la época actual donde se describen como la influencia de la corona española tuvo fuerte impacto a la hora de determinar la ubicación estratégica militar para defender los tesoros que allí se guardaban y como estos han interact...
... Meisel Adolfo. Banco de la República, Universidad Tadeo Lozano Cartagena, 2000. Historia Gene... more ... Meisel Adolfo. Banco de la República, Universidad Tadeo Lozano Cartagena, 2000. Historia General de Cartagena Tomo IV. Lemaitre Eduardo Bogotá, Banco de la Republica. Cartagena de Indias en el siglo XX. Samudio Alberto Banco de la República, Universidad Tadeo ...
"The largest museum in Colombia is beneath the Caribbean Sea." As a native-born and raised in Ca... more "The largest museum in Colombia is beneath the Caribbean Sea." As a native-born and raised in Cartagena de Indias, this article reveals the author's relationship to and inspiration from the galleon San Jose. Additionally, the essay discusses the ship's brief history and three lines of scientific research targeted at enhancing Colombia's capacity building in the areas of underwater cultural heritage, maritime policy, and science and technology.
International Journal of Historical Archaeology, 2021
This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over... more This article summarizes the progress and current state of underwater archaeology in Colombia over the past three decades. It also presents the limitations for the scientific community imposed by the Submerged Cultural Heritage Law 1675 of 2013, implemented for the commercial salvage project of the Spanish galleon San José, sunk in 1708. This new legislation opposes basic archaeological principles as well as the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Finally, this paper proposes some considerations about the risks and uncertainty for the future development of underwater archaeology in Colombia.
Previous studies suggest that tropical storms and hurricanes are among the leading causes of ship... more Previous studies suggest that tropical storms and hurricanes are among the leading causes of shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea since 1492. This paper will explore the relationship between shipwrecks and hurricanes in the Western Caribbean, particularly Roncador Cay, a place with complex environmental conditions that have made this area a trap for ships, but has up until now, been without rigorous shipwreck analysis. This study covers the period 1492 to 1920 with search results of 23 shipwrecks and 37 tropical cyclones compiled in databases, reviewing seven wrecks already documented and revealing new information on 16, previously not recorded. The sources provide detailed shipwrecks, demonstrating that most accidents occurred by unspecific causes and no direct relationship with hurricanes but were influenced by environmental conditions, such as geomorphology, cold fronts, or currents. There is also a reflection on the sociocultural changes and the influence of power in the region. The study includes a suggested tool for future research, protecting the wreck site and emphasizing the importance of the underwater cultural heritage as an indicator of the active maritime past.
The United State Ship (U.S.S.) Kearsarge, a Sloop of War, is considering the most famous and glor... more The United State Ship (U.S.S.) Kearsarge, a Sloop of War, is considering the most famous and glorious ship of the American Civil War after sinking the Confederate State Ship (C.S.S.) Alabama, in 1864 in France. It also represented technological innovations in the second half of the 19th century, combining steam power and sails. After shipwreck on Roncador Cay, Colombia, in 1894, it was abandoned with the armament onboard (seven guns). This paper aims to analyze the causes of the U.S.S. Kearsarge marine accident from the sociocultural factors and environmental conditions, examining the court-martial records, logbook, testimonies, nautical material, and geography in this part of the Caribbean Sea. The article will explore an episode in the United States naval history from a shipwreck that left a mark in the United States (U.S.) Navy and American society from geopolitical and technological context. A court-martial declared guilty of negligence the two o cers with the highest rank on board the same year of the accident. The court determined human error from the Commander and lack of support from the navigation o cer during the loss of the U.S.S. Kearsarge.
Due to the growing demand for hydrocarbons, explorations at sea have increased with particular ch... more Due to the growing demand for hydrocarbons, explorations at sea have increased with particular challenges such as exploitation in ultra-deep waters and frozen seas, which has led to the development of new technologies. Offshore activities are considered high-risk, with accidents and a high fatality rate as well as severe damage to the environment. This article will analyze the importance of design for safety in offshore oil and gas platforms and the good practices from the MODU CODE. Then will concentrate on the implication of technical standards with safety cases. Also, it will examine the industry in the Colombian Caribbean coast, focusing on the recent concerns in the offshore sector, potential oil spills, and how to enforce the design for safety in the country. Finally, it will conclude with some suggestions and recommendations to improve this industry in Colombia and protect the environment.
Desde la fundación de Cartagena de Indias en 1533, la bahía ha experimentado cambios morfológicos... more Desde la fundación de Cartagena de Indias en 1533, la bahía ha experimentado cambios morfológicos debido a factores naturales y humanos. La investigación es esencial para la planificación costera y proporciona herramientas para el "Estudio integral sobre la Isla de Manzanillo". Se utiliza tecnología SIG para analizar la evolución de la línea de costa desde 1937 hasta 2010, centrándose en la influencia del oleaje y cambios antropogénicos. La Isla de Manzanillo ha experimentado variaciones significativas, afectando la infraestructura física. El propósito del estudio es brindar una herramienta para la toma de decisiones, utilizando modelos y programas digitales para procesar datos oceanográficos, imágenes y cartografía, observando la incidencia del oleaje en la franja litoral durante las últimas ocho décadas. El trabajo presenta planteamiento, justificación, desarrollo, conclusiones y recomendaciones sobre procesos costeros en la Isla de Manzanillo.
An Interdisciplinary Study on the wreck of the USS Kearsarge in Roncador Cay, 2022
Roncador Cay is located in the western Caribbean within the Colombian maritime territory, a place... more Roncador Cay is located in the western Caribbean within the Colombian maritime territory, a place with complex environmental conditions that have been a ship trap for centuries. On February 2, 1894, the United States Ship Kearsarge, a renowned warship for outstanding participation in the American Civil War, wrecked in the Cay. The ship was abandoned with the armament, and its memory lost for years. For the United States and Colombia, the remains of the USS Kearsarge are considered underwater cultural heritage with extensive historical data. However, the wreck site has not been studied to identify or localize the remains. This research aims to estimate the location of the wreck site in geographical information systems from an interdisciplinary study combining qualitative and quantitative data. Also, for a better understanding of the shipwreck and its relationship with the maritime cultural landscape, the environmental conditions and the sociocultural factors are characterized. As with most historical shipwrecks studies, the research design is subject to limitations arising from the geographical isolation of the site, ambiguous information, and the confidentiality of Colombian law; however, the study addressed different methods and assumptions to review the location.
Although this dissertation does not accurately localize the remains, it estimated the location by generating geographic points of an area of uncertainty within one square nautical mile. Finally, to determine the possible future of the remains an analysis of the legal framework of the flag state and coastal state was conducted. The data collected and findings are expected to be used in an international cooperation project looking for capacity building as a critical element for sustained development among maritime researcher. This study is an example of interdisciplinary research that demonstrates the relevance of fieldwork to identify the remains, protect the wreck site, and highlight the shared underwater cultural heritage.
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Papers by William Gomez Pretel
However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres.
This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes
the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical
archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
However, historical documentation of the Archipelago, including nautical information, is scarce, as much of it was lost or destroyed during the War of Independence (1810–1824). Consequently, the maritime cultural landscape of the Archipelago is poorly documented, and most information about the seascape comes from narratives and other literary genres.
This study analyzes literary narratives from the fifteenth to the early twentieth centuries to explore the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape and its relationship with shipwrecks. By analyzing narratives, this study deconstructs the connection between shipwrecks and environmental conditions as described by castaways, seafarers, and authors, which shapes
the maritime cultural landscape. The article provides a database of 14 shipwrecks culled from various literary genres, shedding light on the experiences of survivors, the complexities of seafaring in the region, and the relationship between the Archipelago and the California Gold Rush. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of narratives for historical
archaeology, and they provide a better understanding of the Archipelago’s maritime cultural landscape, including the many shipwrecks in the region.
Although this dissertation does not accurately localize the remains, it estimated the location by generating geographic points of an area of uncertainty within one square nautical mile. Finally, to determine the possible future of the remains an analysis of the legal framework of the flag state and coastal state was conducted. The data collected and findings are expected to be used in an international cooperation project looking for capacity building as a critical element for sustained development among maritime researcher. This study is an example of interdisciplinary research that demonstrates the relevance of fieldwork to identify the remains, protect the wreck site, and highlight the shared underwater cultural heritage.