US scientists discover 18th century shipwreck

WASHINGTON: US marine scientists have discovered a shipwreck off the North Carolina coast dating back to the late 18th century.

Duke University scientist Cindy Van Dover led the expedition and found the wreck in mile-deep waters using underwater vehicles and sonar.

The expedition yielded artifacts including an iron chain, glass bottles, an unglazed pottery jug and navigational instruments such as a metal compass.

Archaeologists who examined the photos of the artifacts say the wreck appears to date back as far as the late 18th century when US was expanding its trade with rest of the world, Fox news reported.

"This is an exciting find, and a vivid reminder that even with major advances in our ability to access and explore the ocean, the deep sea holds its secrets close," Van Dover, director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory, said in a news release.

James Delgado, the director of the Marine Heritage Program, said the wreck sits about 150 miles offshore in the path of the Gulf Stream, which for centuries had been a maritime trade route.