Copper Sheathings | Marinduque Shipwreck

  • Copper Sheathings found on Marinduque Shipwreck. © NMP-MUCHD 2022

  • An Illustration of the wreck of Marinduque ship built with copper sheathings. Illustration by Mr. Ed Bersamira, © NMP-MUCHD 2022

  • Underwater archaeologist during the survey and documentation of the Marinduque shipwreck, © NMP-MUCHD 2014

This week’s #MaritimeMonday presents the copper sheathings from the Marinduque shipwreck located in Brgy. Laylay, Boac, Marinduque. 

A team of underwater archaeologists from the #NationalMuseumPH conducted archaeological excavations of a shipwreck located in Brgy. Laylay, Boac, Marinduque from May 27, 2014 to June 6, 2014. Found approximately 100 m from the shoreline and lies 4 m below sea surface level, its wooden remains measured about 20 m long and 2 m wide. Besides the hull remains, other archaeological materials included a heavily encrusted cannon, unknown metal remains probably from an anchor, and copper and/or lead sheathing found attached to parts of the keel and planks. 

Sheathing wood can be traced back to the early 4th century Before Common Era (BCE) to protect the ship’s hull from attacks of shipworms. An ancient ship built with lead sheathing and fastened by brass and copper nails dated back to about 100 Common Era (CE) was found in the Lake Hemerose, Naples in Italy. Roman vessels found in Lake Nemi were also built with lead sheathing fastened by gilt nails. The use of lead sheathing by the Spanish during the 15th century CE was followed by a series of attempts to improve sheathing methods by the English. 

The use of copper sheathings on the other hand has been proven effective and was later adopted by the Royal Navy. By the 18th century CE, copper sheathings fastened with copper bolts have protected ships’ hulls from attack of wood-boring organisms as well as from unwanted marine growth below the waterline. As a result, the wooden sailing vessels were built with protection and were added with speed (less drag), and the warships were allowed to spend longer period at sea before being required for a routine repair and maintenance. 

Interestingly, in 1775, an American patriot, David Bushnell built his mini submarine, the American Turtle, to annihilate the British fleet. The mini sub was equipped with a bit that could drill an enemy ship’s hull, which is deployed with an improvised 150-lb gunpowder timed-bomb. The copper sheathings of the British ship Eagle, however, have rendered Bushnell’s Turtle futile despite series of attempts in 1776. 

Your #NationalMuseumPH is open to the public on a limited capacity. Visit our newly upgraded ‘300 Years of Maritime Trade in the Philippines’ exhibition on the second floor of the National of Anthropology building, or watch a virtual tour of the gallery here: https://tinyurl.com/300YearsOfMaritimeTradePH. Please monitor our website and social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for further information and booking arrangements.

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Poster and text by the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division

© National Museum of the Philippines (2022)