HISTORY

The UASBC was formed in 1975 and began survey work on four wreck sites in the Strait of Georgia. The initial sites surveyed were the wrecks of the Panther, the Zephyr, the Del Norte, and the Iroquois. In 1980, we began an ongoing program of regional shipwreck surveys. The surveys evaluate historic wrecks in specific areas of BC, assess their current conditions, and recommend action to ensure their preservation. We have compiled and printed site surveys of the historic shipwrecks in eight areas of the province: the Gulf Islands, Barkley Sound, Nootka & Clayoquot Sounds, Southern Vancouver Island, Burrard Inlet & Howe Sound, Northeastern Vancouver Island, the West Kootenays, and most recently, the Sunshine Coast.

We have completed five special studies: "The Search for the Tonquin," "The Ericsson," "Exploring the Lord Western," "The Underwater Heritage Of Friendly Cove “ and Ghost Ships of Royston." We've also published a reference book entitled "A Wreck Diver's Guide to Sailing Ship Artifacts of the Nineteenth Century," written and produced for the sport diver who has an interest in shipwrecks and archaeology.