- The discovered timber bore markings from the shipwright who built it. It arrived on the island during winter and after a coastal storm, landing approximately 1,000 feet from the ranger’s station at Assateague State Park.
- The timber underwent examination, and photography, and was tagged with QR codes. It was then left on the shore, preserving its natural state as a unique and wild element.
- Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, the ocean, known for reclaiming its offerings, took back the timber after a massive storm on Tuesday.
Storm-Driven Discovery
The weathered, insect-ridden wood arrived on the shores of Assateague Island just like most, during winter and following a storm.
A ranger with the Maryland Park Service found the ship timber, still showing markings made by the shipwright who built her, during a daily patrol on Dec. 22. A strong coastal storm delivered its gift practically to the ranger’s doorstep, about 1,000 feet from his station at Assateague State Park, on the sand halfway between a row of dunes and the breaking waves about 10 miles south of Ocean City.
“It is a very cool find for our beach and the interest has been very exciting,” said Angela Baldwin, the manager at the park.
Social Media Sensation
The timber, part of a ship’s hull, became a social media darling, garnering more than 400 likes and 50 reposts on X — a droplet by Taylor Swift standards, but a gusher by state park standards. It was examined, photographed, tagged with QR codes, and left on the shore to remain the wild creature it had become.
The thing about the ocean is that it just as often takes back the gifts it brings. So, after Tuesday’s massive storm, the timber was nowhere to be found.
“It may have been washed out or moved and buried,” Baldwin said. “They are keeping an eye out for it, but it may have returned to the ocean floor.”
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Source: The Baltimore Banner
