The Aowa is perhaps one of the best-preserved wooden steamship wrecks in the sanctuary. Its propeller shaft tunnel, with five shaft casing mounts still in place, is one of the most remarkably preserved features at the site. However, because it lies outside the other shipwrecks, Aowa is often in the path of rough water. During high tide, the wreck is also covered by water, making it one of the most difficult to get to. Since 1929, the ship has remained in the same location.
Photograph of Aowa launching at the Johnson Shipyard Company, Staten Island, New York, on July 16, 1918. (Source: National Archives).
Remains of Aowa, stern in the foreground with the bow facing toward the Maryland shoreline. (Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA).
Close up of Aowa, using drone image mosaic taken by Duke University. (Source: Duke University/NOAA).
Aowa archaeological site plan. (Credit: Program in Maritime Studies, East Carolina University)
ECU archaeologists document the Aowa. (Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA)
Image depicts the Aowa and ECU archaeologists documenting the wreck. (Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA)
