Wreck in Marine Park used as example of underwater heritage

Philipsburg - The wreck of the HMS proselyte within Man of War Shoal Marine Park was highlighted as an example of an underwater heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) during the International Year of Small Island Developing States 2014.

 A picture of the wreck, taken by renowned under water photographer Mauricio Handler with Nature Foundation, was featured in the UNESCO produced 2014 calender, celebrating the Underwater Cultural Heritage in Small Island Developing States. The calendar also features submerged cultural resources from Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Vanuatu.

 The HMS Proselyte was a British frigate which sunk on the shallow reef just outside Great Bay and gives the name to the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, St. Maarten’s first National Park managed by St. Maarten Nature Foundation.

 The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Heritage is an international treaty that combats the looting and destruction of underwater cultural heritage, guides development archaeology through widely-respected scientific guidelines and fosters the access and enjoyment of submerged sites by the public.

THE DAILY HERALD, August 14, 2014