Remains of US last known slave ship, the Clotilda, buried in Alabama river to remain underwater

The Clotilda, the last known US slave ship, cannot be extracted from the Alabama Gulf Coast waters due to its deteriorated state, according to a task force of experts. The ship, commissioned in 1860 to smuggle enslaved Africans, was broken in half and severely decayed. The task force recommended protecting the ship underwater where it was discovered in 2019.

The investigation revealed evidence of the ship’s history, including the chambers where the enslaved Africans were held. Descendants of the survivors expressed emotional reactions to the findings. Instead of excavation, the task force proposed preserving the ship by installing protective pillars around it.

The report suggested that the preservation plan would only safeguard the structure for around 100 years before succumbing to erosion. Climate change could accelerate this process. However, many descendants are in favor of leaving the ship underwater to focus on revitalizing the Africatown community, which has faced environmental challenges and disinvestment over the years. Ultimately, the importance lies in preserving the stories of the survivors and their descendants.