Remains of Confederate ship found in Hillsborough River

By: Preston Rudie

Tampa, Florida -- The Florida Aquarium’s team of underwater archaeologists says they have located the remains of a Confederate Blockade Runner in the Hillsborough River.

Divers say the wooden vessel is between 80 and 100 feet in length and is located underwater, just north of the Lowry Park Public Boat ramp.

“People will be shocked to find out what’s under the water,” said underwater archaeologist John William Morris.

“We know there are several Civil War era shipwrecks in the waters around Tampa, so we’re looking for those first,” Morris added.

A state grant has made the work possible and a spokesperson for The Florida Aquarium says they do not plan on raising the ship. Instead, they want to accurately identify it and possibly create an exhibit about the ship at the aquarium.

Officials estimate the ship is almost 150 years old, so the condition of the remains are not good.

"Now that it's exposed more, it's probably not going to last much longer. Whether it is a decade or two, it's hard to say but it's important that we do this work now" said Tom Wagner a spokesperson for The Florida Aquarium.

Experts say the ship could be the first Confederate Blockade Runner ever found in Florida. They plan on announcing more details about their project and the ship on Thursday.