Sea Gold

Modern day treasure hunting with Odsy marine exploration

It sounds like the plot of a new adventure movie: explorers using sophisticated technology to salvage the wreck of an ancient ship lost beneath the sea. The ship contains a disputed treasure worth half a billion dollars. Throw in a few explosions or sword fights, and it would make for a perfect summer blockbuster.

The star of this story, Odyssey Marine Explloration, won't be appearing in theters anytime sonn, but the company has generated headlines. Odyssey, which is based in the U.S. state of Florida, works to recover deep-water shipwrecks, Using high-tech sonar ships, Odyssey locates the wreckage of long-lost vessels and recovers any artifacts or treasure at the site.

Odyssey only targets vessels that are considered fair game under international laws. This usually means commercial ships that have sunk in international waters since non-commercial goverment and military vessels are the legal property of their respective countries. The only exception is if Odyssey has a pre-existing agreement with a county. In 2002, the company agreed to a deal with the U.K. government to share potential spoils from the HMS Sussex, a British ship that sank in 1694,. The agreement stalled under eavy criticism from British archeological organizations.

Urban Exploration 3

Since UE often occurs in places that are abandoned or neglected, safety is a very import concern. Disused sites may be unstable, while tunnels and sewers may flood if it rains - trapping explorers inside. Abandoned sites are often scattered with debris and broken glass, while hospitals and factories may contain dangeous chemicals. The legality of exploration must also be considered. While many sites are on public land with unrestricted access, others are on private property, condemned or fenced off and should be avoided. And since September 11, 2001, security has become espectially important. Walking down a dark tunnel is probably not worth jail time or a steep fine. In addition, there are ethical considerations. Every effort should be made to avoid damaging sites so they remain open and safe for future visitors. Explorers often refuse the locations of places they visit to protect them from vandalism.

While these risks are real, urban exploration can offer people an exciting glimpses of unseen places all around. From catacombs to abandoned buildings, you never know what adventures
may be waiting around the corner -- or under your feet.

08095 - Ubran Exploration 2

The term urban exploration covers a wide range of activities. Since it is usually a hobby, practitioners often visit sites that are near their homes. As a result, ubran explorers in different cities focus on examing different types of places based on their availability.

The most popular and readily accessible destinations are often abandoned buildings. Disused factories, hospitals, and even housing developments can offer interesting glimpses into the past and make great subjects for photography. Other popular destinations include obsolete military fortifications and even buildings destined for demolition.

Ancient European cities often lie atop networks of catacombs. These underground tunnels have served many purposes through the years. Some have acted as cemeteries and bunkers while others have sheltered revolutionaries, smugglers and religious groups. Some of the most famous catacombs, such as those in Rome, Paris and Odessa, have sections that are open for tours.

Over time, cities go through stages of growth and decline. In newer cities, which haven't experienced such a decline, it can be difficult to find abandoned buildings. In these places, urban explorers may decide to go underground and explore the city's storm drains or sewers.