The HMS Swift wreck and the development of underwater heritage protection in Argentina

DELLINO, VIRGINIA; ENDERE, MARIA LUZ

Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites

James & James

Lugar: London; Año: 2001 vol. 4 p. 219 - 231

1350-5033

The general aim of this paper is to evaluate, with a critical perspective, the legal framework for heritage protection in Argentina, viewing it within an international context and focusing on the HMS Swift shipwreck as a case study. Moreover, some initial proposals for a management plan are presented as a first step in thinking about the challenges of preserving underwater sites in Argentinean Patagonia. Through this analysis some interesting points are outlined, including the reasons that make the Swift shipwreck as a leading case in Argentina. It is the first interdisciplinary underwater archaeology project in the country comprising archaeologists who are also divers; it is supported by national authorities; and it is the first project of its kind to give underwater archaeologists experience in dealing with archaeological research and preservation in an environment of multiple conflicting interests. The international relevance of the Swift case relies on the nature of underwater cultural heritage as an international resource. The projects? history is located in an international setting, derived from international trade and communication, in which many ships and their contents have been lost far from their origin or destination. At a national level the Swift is a wreck with significant historical and cultural value. It has a unique state of preservation and its location near to the shore makes it highly accessible. Locally, the HMS Swift will be relevant when Puerto Deseado?s community start to recognise it as a significant part of their own heritage and local people become involved in the preservation of the wreck.