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Headline News
"The Secrets of Columbus' Fate"
November 15, 2001
Dateline: Nombre DE Dios, Panama
"The Secrets of Columbus' Fate"
With forty years of salvage and diving experience, 'Warren White' is hoping his latest discovery will pan out and provide clues to what happened to Christopher Columbus in the 1500s.
In the Caribbean, near Panama lies the remains of a 16th Century galleon that may be the "La Vizcaina" one of four ships in Columbus' flotilla that sailed in an attempt to found a colony at the
mouth of the Belen River. The year was 1503, and it seems that this voyage was not at all successful as prior years, including 1492.
In fact, it turned out to be Columbus' last voyage. He and his crew of 150 men ran into nothing but trouble that led them in a desperate attempt to return to Spain. Local Native Indian tribes in the
area proved hostile to the Spaniards as did disease, rotten food and ships that eventually sunk on their own, or were ordered sunk, due to worm infested wood.
As the men tried to return home, they found that the "La Vizcania" began to take on water. Columbus ordered the 100 ton, twin mast ship to be sunk.
What now remains in the 21st Century are canons, pottery and food scraps, believe it or not. Florida based Salvage expert, "Warren White" discovered this ship in 1997. Ever since, he and his research
teams have been scouring the area, looking for hard evidence that this is indeed the "La Vizcania"
Recently, "White" revealed some of his findings and they do look promising! A 'swivel Lombards canon'
was located on the deck. Researchers know that these canons were far from reliable, so much so that the Spanish ceased using them in 1520.
In addition, in 1508, Spain ordered that all ships be lead lined, to prevent the wooden planks rotting from invasions of worms. The timber on this ship did not contain lead which ties the origin of this
vessel to the correct time frame.
Pottery used for the containment of olive oil for shipment to the New World were also found. Perhaps
the most startling find is that of food remains. It seems that the crew had to forage for sustenance. Turtle bones, scallops and coconut shells were located in the ship's hold. Since this was not typical
of the standard fare of the time, it points to a crew that was basically starving and very ill.
The artifacts have been transported for carbon dating. The timbers and canons have been placed in
saltwater storage to preserve them as much as possible.
There were no personal possessions or rigging found in the area. This points to what history tells us that this ship was abandoned due to it's inability to stay afloat.
Unfortunately, the Salvage Team has not yet located coins of the era, a nameplate or even a ship's bell that would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt the identity of this lonely and coral encrusted
ship, from many Centuries long past.
Columbus sailed from the New World for the last time in 1508 and subsequently died in 1510, in Spain.
Nancy, Director of Operations, Editor
CNN.com - Divers searching Columbus' wreck - November 13, 2001
http/www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/americas/11/13/panama.columbus.reut/index.html