Mexico: Archeologists accidentally discover a 200-year-old shipwreck

Mexican archaeologists recently discovered the remains of a 200-year-old shipwreck off the country’s Caribbean coast. The more interesting part is the fact that this was an accidental discovery.
Referring to this, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spokesperson Emily Crum stated that typically when they find/discover shipwrecks, they have certain basic information, which enables them to search for a target. Emily added that, in this instance, there was no prior information to suggest that the shipwreck was there: the team just stumbled upon it.

As per the latest news reports, the remains of the ship were located off the coast of Quintana Roo, which, reportedly, sank after hitting a reef more than 200 years ago.
The shipwreck discovered around 35 km from Majahual on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is believed to be from the 18th or the 19th century. Reports state that the ship has been named Manuel Polaco, i.e., after the name of the fisherman who discovered the shipwreck and reported it to the authorities.
After the discovery, the archaeologists started speculating the reason and details of the ship. While some are of the view that the shipwreck belonged to 18th or 19th century British ships, others spotted cannon, an anchor, iron ingots among the remains.

Analyzing the probable scenarios, archaeologists are of the view that the ship sank after hitting the Chinchorro Bank, which was referred to as the Sleep-robbing Reef of the Nightmare Reef. As per the records, as many as 70 shipwrecks have been discovered from this area till now.

Mexico has declared the area an underwater cultural heritage site because of the many wrecks that have been discovered here, including the two Spanish galleons. Reportedly, this recent finding of a 200-year-old shipwreck is the 70th ship wreck to be found in the area.