Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge wreck reveals secrets of the real Pirate of the Caribbean

telegraph.co.uk ^ | May 28 2011 | Jasper Copping

[Berlin_Freeper]

He was a real-life pirate of the Caribbean, who carefully cultivated a bloodthirsty reputation that struck fear through seafarers.

Now, almost 300 years after Blackbeard's death, marine archaeologists have discovered a huge anchor and an arsenal of "improvised" ammunition from the wreck of his flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge.

New evidence about the terrifying and deadly tactics employed by Blackbeard is emerging from the diving expedition on the vessel’s presumed remains. The divers have discovered that weapons used by the pirate were not only intended to kill but were designed to strike terror into survivors and force them into a swift surrender.

The shipwreck lies in about 25ft of water just off the coast of the American state of North Carolina and the expedition to recover artefacts is being led by the state’s Department of Cultural Resources.

[LibLieSlayer]

Nothing experimental in any of it though.

LLS

[LibLieSlayer]

Absolutely.

LLS

[Forward the Light Brigade]

Flynn drank and womanized himself into an early grave—but he lead his life his way—All who knew him remarked at his charm and wit and his roving eye and love of the bottle. He made some great films—perhaps the best Robin Hood on film.

[golux]

You cynic! Have you not heard of reversible galvanic action? Seriously cutting edge stuff. The new zincs have the power to attract the lost molecules from the brushed coats and washed faces of oysters (the young ones), and stick ‘em back on the boat. One by one.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

I know the story.

[kstewskis]

The examination of this wreck has been going on for years. I have seen some the arifacts at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC (my Mother lives near there). Some of them are striking.

That's really neat. I bet they were interesting.

I would think it would really be cool to dive the wreck of the Queen Anne's Revenge itself. At least, while it's still there and before it gets completely plundered!