A group of archaeologists have found six shipwrecks on diving expeditions near Nassau, with several dating back to the time when famous pirates such as Blackbeard or Henry Avery sailed in the region.
A team of archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the first shipwrecks directly associated with real pirates of the caribbeanshedding new light on the notorious maritime bandits who operated in the Bahamas in the early 18th century.
The discoveries were made in and around Nassau, once the epicenter of the so-called Golden Age of Piracy. Researchers have identified six shipwrecks during diving expeditions carried out in late 2025, with at least three linked to the time Nassau served as a refuge for infamous piratesincluding Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, Benjamin Hornigold and Henry Avery.
One of the most significant discoveries lies beneath the port of Nassau. Archaeologists discovered ballast stones over the charred remains of the hull of wood from a ship, suggesting that the vessel was deliberately set on fire. According to researchers, pirates often destroyed captured ships after looting them to eliminate evidence of their crimes. The wreck contains wooden planks, frames and dowels, construction features that indicate it was built during the 18th century.
A second wreck, located about 35 kilometers east of Nassau, appears to be an armed sloop from the early 18th century. deck cannon, an iron swivel cannon, musket ballscannonballs and a sword sharpening stone. Experts believe that the vessel may have belonged to pirates or sailors defending themselves against piracy. However, the apparent absence of cargo reinforces the possibility of it being a pirate ship.
The third shipwreck of the pirate era has been discovered under the old Nassau Bridge. Although poorly preserved, archaeologists have identified rigging components, glass bottles, hull planks and bricks from a ship’s galley. Investigators believe the vessel probably sank after running aground on a submerged sandbar during a storm, says .
The expedition also discovered evidence of the post-piracy period in Nassau, including clay pipes with the British coat of arms and remains of an English merchant ship dating from the mid-18th century.
The project, led by the New Providence Pirates Expedition and the Wreckwatch TV channel, marks the first time investigators received permission to dive in the protected waters of Nassau Harbor. In addition to shipwrecks, the team studied historical maps, pirate caves, and colonial-era sites to better understand life in Nassau during the height of piracy.
