Posted by AADIVER on March 24, 2005 at 22:06:42:
In Reply to: Re: "... when I do mention Frank, it's not in any sort of negative way.. posted by Dwill on March 24, 2005 at 20:59:04:
Doug, I responded to an Elaine post, not yours. Anyway it was deleted so it's history.
I gather you don't accept the fact that there are wrecks, world-wide, where the recovery of small artifacts is perfectly legal. And BTW, I believe some artifacts should be left "in situ" if they're easily identifiable such as wheels and binnacles and props, especially for photographers. Not in that catagory would be overgrown gauges, valves, and cage lamps.
The archaeologists and preservationist have a position that's almost impossible to argue with: even the scummiest, lowliest, rust bucket of a tramp freighter MIGHT become historically significant a hundred years from now. That is if Mer Madre hasn't destroyed it through electrolytic reduction and natural corrosion and disintegration.