MAHS in the Netherlands Antilles

We do know that she was carrying a large amount of coal, an example of which is seen in the image to the right.


Archaeological work near midships has uncovered a collection of nested plates lying on the deck, part of the "fine goods" carried by the vessel.   They appear to represent a crate of china that had been removed from the hold, but had not yet been off-loaded when the vessel sank.

The crate was probably wooden and has long since disintegrated.   The gray cast seen on the plates is from coal deposits in the hold. When cleaned, the hand-stamped design on the plates became apparent.   Unfortunately, no maker's marks were present as an indication of where or by whom the china was made.

A large, brass ship's horn was also recovered near midships.   It appears to be consistent with the type of horn that would have been used on the Mediator.

Also found was a large shipment of brass nails.

All of the artifacts recovered from the site were taken to STIMANA's nearby lab facility for conservation and were eventually transferred to the Curaçao Maritime Museum for permananet curation and display.

Alphen   |

MAHS Project List