USS Schurz Fieldwork

Boiler from the Schurz.

The fieldwork for the Schurz Project was completed between August 22 and 28, 2000.  This  non-intrusive Phase II archaeological survey mapped the site and recorded diagnostic features.  Principle investigator Tane Casserley's objectives for the project were to digitally photo-mosaic the wreck site, and record the construction techniques of the hull.  The wreck lies in 115 feet of water.  The field team used a 30% Nitrox breathing gas mix completing two, 25 minute dives a day.Images for the mosaic were collected using the Laser Digital Modeler (LDM), specifically designed for the project by the principal investigator.  The LDM is a hand held system that consists of a digital video camera attached to four telescoping arms that contain a laser reference system.  A red laser pointer is attached to each of the telescoping arms to provide visual reference points for distance measurements. The LDM was towed behind a scooter at a fixed distance above the site to record the shipwreck below.  Individual still frames from the video were then used to create the digital-mosaic.  This mosaic was imported into AutoCAD and a site map was then drawn directly over the image of the vessel.

Copper sheathing and scale.
Brass fasteners and copper sheathing with nails still attached.

The principal investigator would like to thank all who contributed to the Schurz Project, especially his crew who endured rough sea conditions each day as they motored out to the site.  A special thanks also goes out to Dr. George Shannon, and the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum for the use of the boat slip at their Gallant’s Channel facility.  Final thanks goes to the ECU Diving Safety Office, and Dive Safety Officer Gary Byrd, without whose help none of this would have been possible.