Possible Shipwreck Unearthed By Hurricanes In FL County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL — Mysterious debris discovered in Daytona Beach Shores following back-to-back hurricanes and natural erosion is likely a centuries-old shipwreck, Florida state officials said Tuesday.

The debris caught headlines this week after it was discovered Thanksgiving week by beachgoers and Volusia County beach safety officials. It likely appeared thanks to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, two powerful storms that hit Florida during the 2022 season, and a combination of continued high tide and rough surf, Volusia County spokesman Kevin Captain told Patch.

About 80 feet in length and made of metal and wood, some speculated whether the debris was an old long boat, or possibly a dock or pier destroyed during past storms, WESH-TV reported.

Other theories included spectator seating from when NASCAR had races on the beach, according to The New York Times.

"We have never seen it exposed before in that area, so this is the first time in at least 25 years that I know of it being exposed," Volusia County Beach Safety Deputy Chief Tammy Malphurs told WESH-TV.

On Tuesday, state officials met with members of the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program to examine the debris.

"We do believe it is a shipwreck from around the 1800s," Mark Ard, external affairs director with the Florida Department of State, told Patch.

Ard said the state is working with archaeologists with the Florida Public Archaeology Network and the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program to document the site and determine the next steps.

"Once we learn of a site, we do all we can to protect (it)," Ard said. "We look forward to what this new site will tell us about Florida’s maritime culture and history."