Fascinated by Shipwrecks: The Science and Discovery of Lost Vessels

Beneath the waves, hidden in the depths of the ocean, lie the remnants of history—silent witnesses to a past filled with adventure, tragedy, and discovery. Shipwrecks have long captivated the human imagination, serving as portals to another time. But for Dr. Art Trembanis, a professor of marine science at the University of Delaware, they are more than just relics; they are complex puzzles waiting to be solved. Combining his expertise in coastal geology, oceanography, and autonomous robotic systems, Dr. Trembanis has spent his career mapping, analyzing, and interpreting the secrets that shipwrecks hold.

Dr. Trembanis’ fascination with the sea began in his childhood, growing up surrounded by the waters of the Puget Sound. With a lineage tied to both Norwegian and Greek seafarers, an affinity for the ocean seemed almost inevitable. Inspired by weekend National Geographic specials and maritime legends like Dr. Bob Ballard — the explorer who found the Titanic—Trembanis knew early on that he wanted a career in ocean exploration.

Yet, his path to marine science was not a direct one. "It was a very circuitous route," he recalls. “I’ve always been fascinated by shipwrecks, but I never set out to make them a major focus of my career.” That focus emerged organically, as his work in oceanographic mapping and seabed morphology gradually led him to uncovering historical wrecks. From the wreck of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard’s legendary ship, to nuclear test sites in Bikini Atoll, his research has intersected with history in remarkable ways.

Dr. Trembanis is a geologist at heart, specializing in coastal dynamics—the interaction between waves, storms, currents, and the seafloor. His work primarily revolves around how these forces shape underwater landscapes and affect objects within them, including shipwrecks. "Shipwrecks are an object on the seabed that disrupts the flow of water," he explains. By studying how shipwrecks settle and erode, scientists can better understand how the ocean changes over time.

To do this, Trembanis relies on cutting-edge technology, deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sonar systems, and even consumer-grade fish finders to map and study the ocean floor. These technologies allow researchers to locate, characterize, and monitor shipwreck sites with unprecedented precision.

The Role of Robotics in Exploration

Marine exploration has always required a spirit of innovation. The ocean is a notoriously harsh environment—pressurized, corrosive, and unpredictable. Unlike space, where equipment remains relatively unbothered by external forces, the ocean presents constant challenges, from saltwater damage to marine life interference.

That’s where robotics comes in. "People often think that autonomous exploration eliminates human involvement, but in reality, it requires more humans," says Trembanis. "It's about leveraging technology to improve efficiency and expand our reach." Autonomous systems act as force multipliers, enabling scientists to explore deeper, stay underwater longer, and conduct surveys over vast areas that would be otherwise impossible with human divers alone.

Over the years, Trembanis has observed an explosion in underwater robotic capabilities. “There’s a growth in two key areas: large, long-duration systems that can operate for weeks or even months, and smaller, lower-cost systems that make exploration more accessible.” Perhaps the most exciting development, however, is the use of coordinated fleets—drones in the air, surface vessels, and underwater robotics all working together in synchronized missions.

For Trembanis, every shipwreck expedition is a new adventure. One particularly memorable mission took him to Bikini Atoll, where nuclear weapons testing in the 1940s left a graveyard of sunken battleships. Working alongside National Geographic and SEARCH Inc., his team was tasked with mapping the seafloor to better understand the aftermath of these tests.

"It took us nearly seven days to reach the site, traveling by multiple flights and a four-day sea voyage," he recalls. Once there, they had to deploy sonar systems from an unfamiliar vessel, adjusting their equipment in real time to ensure successful data collection. The challenge was immense, but the reward—bringing new insights into this historical underwater battlefield—made it all worthwhile.

Another expedition in the Aegean Sea placed Trembanis aboard a replica 19th-century sailing ship, using 21st-century technology to locate shipwrecks dating back to the third century BC. "It was surreal," he admits, "like traveling through a time tunnel, combining ancient maritime history with modern science."

The Future of Ocean Exploration

Where is underwater exploration headed? According to Trembanis, the field is evolving rapidly. In the coming years, he expects further advances in artificial intelligence, allowing machines to identify shipwrecks with greater accuracy. More sophisticated sonar and imaging technologies will also provide unprecedented levels of detail, revealing new shipwrecks and refining our understanding of known sites.

Another major trend is the rise of citizen science. With more affordable and accessible tools, hobbyists and independent researchers are now contributing valuable data. "There are so many ways to get involved, even if you’re not a marine scientist," Trembanis emphasizes. "From historical research to AI data processing, there’s a role for everyone."

As a professor, one of Trembanis’ greatest joys is mentoring students, taking them into the field and helping them develop real-world skills. “It’s about more than just knowledge—it’s about preparing them for the future of marine science,” he says. Whether through study-abroad programs or at-sea training, his goal is to ignite the same passion for discovery that first inspired him.

And, as he often reminds his students, marine science is a continuous learning process. "Much of what we're doing today wasn’t in the textbooks when I was in school. The field is always changing, and that’s what makes it exciting."