The Oakfield (1883-1897). The shipwreck of an Atlantic steamship (Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal)

Abstract

In 2008, during archaeological monitoring of the works of the project New Cruise Maritime Terminal of Ponta Delgada, Azores, were identified the remains of an iron structure of a 19th-century English steamer, sunk inside the Ponta Delgada’s harbour dock. The bay frequented by shipping since the discovery of the island of São Miguel, in the 15th century, became a port with great historic and strategic importance in the triangular trade. But the peak of this commercial port happens in the 19th century. In this context, the British steamship, based in the orange trade and the supply of coal, is the major victim of the storms of the 19th century. The underwater archaeological work allowed a probable identification of the remains with the steam Oakfield. Built in 1883 for Burrell & Son of Glasgow, by Oswald Mordaunt & Co. Shipbuilders & Engineers in Southampton, and sunk on 22 January 1897, according to information gathered in the contemporary local press. The archaeological site was constituted by the ship's hull structures, located at a distance of 15 m from the current shoreline, at an average depth of 5 m. The main structure was about 11 m wide by 35 m long. Subjected to salvaging activities the ship's structure was only preserved in situ at deck level. Among the material identified were included board tools related to the steam engine’s operations, but also fire-clay bricks. We also identified the remains of the ship's cargo, bags of sugar from Demerara (British Guiana) and casks of rum.