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For hundreds of years, the number of Florida shipwrecks has been growing. They have come from a wide range of global locations. While some were trading and treasure-hunting ships that were lost during natural disasters, others were destroyed during wars. Intense German U-boat attack campaigns in the region during World War II left much wreckage.

These waters provide the final resting place for many warships, yachts and tankers. The Sunshine State's 1,200 miles of coastal areas are littered with the wreckage of about 5,000 sunken vessels. Stretching south-southwest of the state, the Keys is a chain of 4,500 islands. They extend for 200 miles, and are home to 1,000 sunken ships. The high population of submarine wreckage has influenced the names of many islands. Remnants of the 1748 crash of H. M. S. Fowey, which was a British warship, rest along Fowey Rocks. The loss of the U. S. S. Alligator in 1822 led to the official name designation of Alligator Reef.

The United Nations estimates more than three million sunken ships are scattered across the globe. Many experts find these sites valuable due to their potential to preserve maritime history. Maritime archaeologists analyze these sites to gain knowledge about historical elements related to military, treasure hunting and seafaring campaigns.

The preservation of sunken vessels is determined by several factors. Water salinity, depth, temperature, acidity, tides, exposure and presence of sealife are among the major components affecting deterioration. Whether vessels have been buried by sand, and materials used during the construction phase are among the other factors.

The exposure of wood to seawater promotes decay. For example, 100 years after a wooden ship sinks, it will be completely decomposed unless buried by sand or silt. The sinking of the British Warship, the Mary Rose, is a prime example. She sank in the waters off the Isle of Wight in 1545 and was quickly buried by sand. After its recovery in 1982, experts found many well-preserved artifacts from the Tudor period.

In general, vessels decay more quickly in seawater. The salinity causes the corrosion of iron-based materials. Exposed wooden elements are quickly attacked by shipworms and other wood-boring sea creatures. They can completely destroy the entire hulls of sunken sea-craft.

Wreckage along the seabed is also exposed to destructive tidal forces and wave action. The vessels that sink the deepest are less vulnerable to these forces.

Florida shipwrecks are fascinating to explore. In addition to their historical value, many have become home to a diversity of sealife. Read more about: florida shipwrecks