UHEXSO Marine Archeology Mission Statement

August 1997, INVINCIBLE Expedition, Galveston, Texas

UHEXSO divers Rick Kouns and John Hoover hold recovered artifact.

Mission Statement

The Texas Historical Commission has identified over 2,000 historically significant shipwrecks in Texas waters. UHEXSO's mission is to assist the state of Texas in determining the exact locations and identities of these wrecks. UHEXSO dive teams operate so as to cause the least amount of disturbance possible to archeological sites, recovering artifacts only when necessary to identify a wreck. UHEXSO also strives to adhere to all state and federal guidelines for marine archeology and diving safety.

Texas Marine Archeology

In the year 2000 UHEXSO hopes to assist the Texas Historical Commission in developing a volunteer marine archeology training program that will ensure the effective use of volunteers now and in the future. It is important that we view ourselves not simply as divers, but also as stewards of our marine heritage so that we can keep volunteer marine archeology viable in Texas. A second goal is to help establish dive sites on selected shipwrecks so that divers can enjoy and explore these treasures. UHEXSO actively seeks partnerships with other volunteer groups and individuals who share these goals. In Texas, there are several other volunteer marine archeology groups, such as the Southwest Underwater Archeological Society (SUAS), the Texas Archeological Studies Association (TASA), and the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA). By combining their efforts and resources, UHEXSO and these groups can make a valuable contribution to marine archeology in Texas.

If you are new to Texas marine archeology, you may be surprised to learn that Texas' coastlines are dotted with offshore shipwrecks. Historical records indicate many wrecks of English, Spanish and French origin whose exact locations are yet to be discovered. In 1995, one such wreck, La Salle's LA BELLE, was discovered and excavated in Matagorda Bay. You can go to the Texas Historical Commission's web site and view photos of the LA BELLE project and the search for the L'AIMABLE, La Salle's supply ship. Texas also had a navy when it was a republic back in the 1830's. The search for the flagship of the Republic of Texas Navy, the INVINCIBLE, has been going on for many years. The search has been conducted by NUMA, which claims to be 95% sure that it has found the wreck, though this is disputed in many circles.

Please note that unauthorized disturbance, removal of artifacts, and other activities which could damage sunken or abandoned pre-twentieth century ships in Texas waters are forbidden by both state and federal laws. Authorization and approval must be secured from the Texas Historical Commission before undertaking any such activity. Failure to do so can result in both criminal and civil prosecution. For more information or to report a possible wreck site, contact the Texas Historical Commission at P.O. Box 12276, Austin, Texas 78711, Tele: (512)463-6096.

On a more international note: The United Nations, through UNESCO, has plans underway that could declare all shipwrecks as government property and scuttle admiralty law as we know them. To find out more about this important issue which could affect all of us who love underwater exploration, see Imersed Magazine, Spring 1999 Edition, for an article by Peter Hess, and also check out the United Nations site Oceans and Laws of the Sea. Get involved and let your voice be heard!

It's our ocean too!!

For more info, contact ProSEA