Dive into the World of Shipwreck Hunting with John Chatterton

Interview with Shipwreck Hunter, John Chatterton

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to hunt for treasure in the depths of the ocean? John Chatterton is a renowned shipwreck hunter who has spent over 30 years exploring the ocean floor for sunken treasures. He has been featured on numerous television shows and documentaries, including “Deep Sea Detectives,” “Curse of Oak Island,” and “Expedition Unknown.” In this interview, he shares his experiences and insights into the world of shipwreck hunting.

Q: How did you become interested in shipwreck hunting?

A: I’ve been diving since I was a teenager, and my interest in shipwrecks started when I discovered that there were wrecks off the coast of New Jersey where I grew up. As I learned more about these wrecks, I became fascinated by their history and all of the stories they held. From there, my passion for shipwreck diving grew as I traveled around the world to explore other wrecks.

Q: What equipment do you need for shipwreck hunting?

A: The equipment needed depends on what kind of diving you’re doing. For technical diving (deep dives), we use specialized equipment such as rebreathers or mixed gas systems to allow us to stay underwater longer and go deeper than recreational divers. We also use underwater scooters to cover more ground quickly. Metal detectors are an essential tool for finding artifacts on wreck sites.

Q: What are some challenges associated with searching for shipwrecks?

A: One challenge is locating wrecks that have yet to be discovered. Many ships sank without any record or location information available, so it can be difficult to find them unless we stumble upon them by chance during our dives. Another challenge is navigating through wreckage while avoiding dangerous areas such as sharp metal edges or unstable structures.

Q: How do you research potential sites before diving?

A: The first step is to research historical records and archives to learn about the ships that may have sunk in a particular area. We also use sonar equipment to scan the ocean floor for anomalies that could indicate the presence of a wreck. Once we find something interesting, we’ll send down a remote-controlled vehicle equipped with cameras to get a better look at the site before diving.

Q: What are some notable shipwrecks you’ve discovered?

A: One of my most memorable finds was the German U-boat, U-869, off the coast of New Jersey. This submarine had been missing since 1945 and was one of only four remaining unaccounted-for U-boats from World War II. Another notable discovery was La Carolina, a Spanish galleon that sank off the coast of Ecuador in 1654.

Q: What kind of artifacts do you typically find on shipwreck sites?

A: It depends on what kind of cargo or passengers were onboard when the ship sank. Some wrecks contain valuable items such as gold or silver coins, while others may have more mundane items like pottery or tools. We also find personal belongings such as jewelry or clothing that can give us insight into life during different time periods.

Q: How do you preserve and protect artifacts once they’re recovered from wreck sites?

A: Preservation is essential because many artifacts are fragile and can deteriorate quickly if not properly cared for. We work closely with archaeologists and conservators who specialize in preserving underwater artifacts to ensure everything we recover is treated appropriately.

Q: Have any ethical dilemmas arisen during your career as a shipwreck hunter?

A: Yes, there have been situations where I’ve had to make difficult decisions about whether or not to disturb wreck sites for research purposes. As much as we want to learn everything we can about these wrecks, it’s important to remember that they’re also gravesites and should be treated with respect. We always strive to balance our research goals with a sense of responsibility to the history and culture behind each wreck.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in shipwreck hunting?

A: My biggest piece of advice is to learn as much as you can about diving and underwater archaeology before attempting any kind of shipwreck hunting. It’s also important to understand that not every dive will result in a treasure find, so don’t get discouraged if it takes time before discovering something significant. Finally, always be respectful of the sites you’re exploring and do your best not to disturb or damage anything.

In conclusion, shipwreck hunting is a fascinating field that combines adventure, history, and exploration. John Chatterton’s insights into this world offer valuable information for anyone interested in pursuing this unique hobby. Whether for fun or research purposes, discovering sunken treasures from centuries past is an experience unlike any other.