Shipwreck Center

Home
Madagascar
Sainte-Marie
Shipwreck Center

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Shipwreck Center, Nonprofit Organization, Sainte-Marie.

30/04/2025

Unearthing the Pirates of the Indian Ocean: A Journey from Discovery to Exhibition

Since our initial expedition in 1999 to Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha), off Madagascar’s northeast coast, our team has been dedicated to uncovering the rich maritime history of the region. Over 16 years, through systematic surveys, dives, and collaboration with partners, we have identified multiple shipwrecks with material evidence pointing to their identification as legendary pirates of the Golden Age.

Our discoveries in Ambodifotatra Bay revealed ballast mounds, cannon, and other artifacts scattered across the seafloor. Among the wrecks were ceramics and other objects argued as a link to the Fiery Dragon, a ship associated with Captain William “Billy One-Hand” Condon, as well as the Great Mahomet, the Mocha Frigate, and Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley.

On nearby Île aux Forbans, ground-penetrating radar revealed complex tunnel systems and clusters of iron artifacts, indicating the existence of early 18th-century pirate settlements—possibly used for defense, storage, or escape.

We are now curating artifacts and designing an exhibition that will tell the story of the pirates of the Indian Ocean, the Sainte-Marie pirate settlement, and the shipwrecks we discovered. This exhibition will showcase our pioneering archaeological expeditions, detection methods, and historical analysis used to first identify the wreck sites and settlements.

Our goal is to serve the community of Sainte-Marie, Madagascar, by collaborating with local institutions, including the Ilot Madame Museum to preserve and share this maritime heritage of global significance with the public. We anticipate that hundreds of thousands of people will experience this exhibition and gain unparalleled insights into the Golden Age of Piracy.

24/04/2025

As spring rolls in, we’re wrapping up an incredible season of educational programs, museum visits, and school partnerships here at the Shipwreck Center. From interactive lessons to field trips filled with discovery, it’s been a privilege to share the story of the Whydah and the broader world of maritime archaeology with so many curious minds.

Now, our focus shifts offshore. With warmer weather and calmer seas ahead, our team is preparing for the field season—launching research vessels, inspecting dive equipment, and planning the next phase of exploration along the coast. From mapping wreck sites to recovering artifacts, the work we discuss in classroom now continues on the water.

07/03/2025

This small ivory fragment, inscribed with ‘INRI’ (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum—Latin for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews), was discovered during our 2010 expedition to the tentatively identified Fiery Dragon shipwreck site off the east coast of Madagascar. Likely once part of a crucifix, the letters are finely incised, with traces of gold still visible, suggesting they were originally fully gilded. A remarkable connection to history.

02/03/2025

A small cannon recovered from the pirate shipwreck Whydah.

11/02/2025

How do you identify a ship archaeologically as having belonged to pirates? 🏴‍☠️ Unless you have a bell with the ship’s name on it, it is done very meticulously by building a compelling argument from the material culture or the artifacts left behind from the wreck site. Take for example the presence of this Chinese Xangxi period (1666 - 1722) porcelain found by our team at underwater archeological sites at Sainte-Marie Island in Madagascar.🌴 The presence of this double-headed eagle, or phoenix motif at Sainte-Marie is surprising because this type of cargo is more consistent with a commercial European ship than one trading in the waters of India or the Far East. It is possible this decoration may represent the coat of arms of the Hapsburg Dynasty, and was originally aboard a ship seized by the famed pirate ship, the Fiery Dragon, which sank in 1721. 🌊

05/11/2024

Newly recovered artifacts from the wreck of the Whydah Galley offer an extraordinary glimpse into the material culture of the 18th century and the interconnected world of trade, piracy, and daily life at sea. This latest assortment includes a range of Spanish reales, varying in size and condition, which served as currency across the Caribbean and beyond, highlighting the Whydah’s complex trade networks before its fateful voyage.

Among these artifacts are vibrant trade beads, prized in both European and African markets, as well as a Manilla, a form of metal currency used in transatlantic trade. Such finds not only illustrate the global exchange systems but also hint at the diverse crew and complex histories aboard the Whydah.

Additionally, the pewter spoons, a pistol’s side plate, and other personal items reveal details of life on board, from everyday meals to the personal belongings that would have accompanied the crew. These artifacts are invaluable clues that help archaeologists piece together the daily lives, aspirations, and struggles of those who sailed the Whydah over 300 years ago.

Stay tuned as we continue to study and interpret these artifacts, each one helping to map out the fascinating and turbulent story of the Whydah and its crew in the Golden Age of Piracy! .whydah

04/11/2024

A gold fragment recovered from the wreck of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank in 1717. Historical records indicate that wealth aboard the Whydah was carefully divided and shared among the crew, with quartermaster Richard Noland meticulously overseeing the accounting. Many of the small gold artifacts, including jewelry, show visible signs of being cut or broken—likely evidence of division among crew members or tests of material purity, offering a unique archaeological insight into the practices of pirate life and their informal yet structured economy.

24/10/2024

Here’s a great comparison of three swivel gun shot next to a three-pound cannonball, all recovered from the wreck of the Whydah. Although we’ve found several swivel gun shot like these, our team has yet to recover an actual swivel gun from the site. These guns were likely mounted on the stern of the galley ship and were used for close-range defense during battle. We’re hopeful that one day we’ll uncover one of these elusive artifacts!

18/10/2024

Twenty-four years ago this month, at the turn of the millennium, underwater archaeological teams led by the non-profit Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation and Barry Clifford first uncovered numerous 17th- and 18th-century pirate shipwreck sites in the harbor area at Ilôt Madame on the island of Sainte-Marie, Madagascar.

A veritable who’s who of infamous pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy made their mark on Sainte-Marie, including William Kidd, Olivier Levasseur (“La Buse”), William Condon, and others.

Based on our first and subsequent expeditions to Sainte-Marie over several decades, our team of archaeological divers, remote sensing specialists, historians, archivists, and conservators has worked tirelessly to identify these wrecks and reveal the significance of these submerged cultural resources for the educational and historical benefit of the people of Madagascar and the rest of the world.

Our efforts in Sainte-Marie are ongoing, as is our commitment to museum capacity building with the Malagasy people who call the island home.

15/10/2024

Twenty-four years ago this month, at the turn of the millennium, underwater archaeological teams led by the non-profit Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation and Barry Clifford first uncovered numerous 17th- and 18th-century pirate shipwreck sites in the harbor area at Ilôt Madame on the island of Sainte-Marie, Madagascar.

A veritable who’s who of infamous pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy made their mark on Sainte-Marie, including William Kidd, Olivier Levasseur (“La Buse”), William Condon, and others.

Based on our first and subsequent expeditions to Sainte-Marie over several decades, our team of archaeological divers, remote sensing specialists, historians, archivists, and conservators has worked tirelessly to identify these wrecks and reveal the significance of these submerged cultural resources for the educational and historical benefit of the people of Madagascar and the rest of the world.

One such wreck, the Fiery Dragon, commanded by Captain William Condon, was first identified by our team based on a preponderance of archaeological and historical data. A ship lost in the immediate vicinity in 1721, along with an assemblage of exotic artifacts recovered from the site, strongly points to its positive identification. Our efforts in Sainte-Marie are ongoing, as is our commitment to museum capacity building with the Malagasy people who call the island home.

25/09/2024

A lead fragment, pewter spoons, and a silver reales coin, recovered from the scattered remains of the Whydah wreck, highlight the incredible discoveries still being made. With the start of the school year, our educational program is in full swing, offering curriculum-based lessons in collaboration with , engaging students with hands-on history and maritime exploration. Contact [email protected] for more info.

12/09/2024

Uncovering History: A Pistol from the Whydah ⚓️🏴‍☠️

This pistol was recovered from the wreck of the Whydah, the pirate ship captained by “Black Sam” Bellamy. Lost in 1717, the Whydah symbolizes the golden age of piracy.

Once carried by a pirate aboard, it reminds us of their dangerous, adventurous lives. Over 300 years later, this piece of history resurfaced, a testament to those who sailed under the black flag.

Address

Sainte-Marie

Website

https://shipwreckcenter.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Shipwreck Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Sainte-Marie?