Captain Kidd Plundered Here

The remains of the Quedagh Merchant were found just off the coast (70 feet to be exact) of the Dominican Republic in less than ten feet of water. This was one of the last ships Captain Kidd captured before he set off to clear his good name of piracy charges. He didn't, and the good folks of London got to see his body decaying over the River Thames for two years.

There was always a question as to whether he was a pirate or a privateer. A privateer has the legal right to act like a pirate, but does so in the name of a country.

Charles Breeder of Indiana University said he'd been to thousands of shipwrecks in his career, but, "This is one of the first sites I've been on where I haven't seen any looting. We've got a shipwreck in in crystal clear water that amazingly is untouched."

This is especially true considering its nearness to shore and depth.

Growing up, I had fond thoughts of being an underwater diver in search of sunken treasure. But, teaching got in the way. I sure would like to be on that site right now instead of sitting here in northern Illinois enjoying the sub-freezing temperatures.

Oh, Well, I Did Really Enjoy Teaching. --the Old Coot