Goldenboy17
3 weeks ago
From Seafarer:
Seafarer Exploration’s 2024 journey was defined by resilience, innovation, and groundbreaking progress. Despite weather challenges limiting sea days, we refined our cutting-edge SeaSearcher technology, expanded our lab and conservation efforts, and continued tracking multiple shipwrecks through remote sensing and archival research. As we step into 2025, we’re ready to take our discoveries to the next level.
Read the full CEO update for an in-depth look at what’s ahead!
Dear Shareholders,
As we mark the first anniversary of receiving our permit, I want to reflect on the tremendous progress we’ve made despite an array of challenges and share an exciting outlook for the year ahead. This past year has been transformative, not just for Seafarer Exploration, but for the broader field of underwater rescue archaeology. Thank you for your continued trust and belief in our mission.
2024: Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Results
Weather and Operational Challenges
We normally average about 15 days a month, but over the past several months, workable windows have been far fewer than expected. Despite forecasts initially projecting clear conditions, shifting Gulf Stream currents—at times exceeding five knots—have repeatedly disrupted planned operations, often changing unexpectedly and preventing safe access to the site. Even with these limitations, our team has remained steadfast, making meaningful advancements during non-operational days at Juno Beach, including tracking multiple shipwrecks through remote sensing and archival research. Additionally, we have continued refining our methodologies and technology to adapt to ever-changing conditions, ensuring we are fully prepared to maximize every opportunity when conditions allow us back out.
Groundbreaking Progress at Juno Beach
At the Juno Beach site, we completed a full scan of our primary gridded area, which revealed numerous targets of interest. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of the SeaSearcher, we not only identified significant concentrations of debris but also laid grid markers that allow for ongoing monitoring. The Gulf Stream came in and settled over our site for over three weeks, keeping us from diving, but more importantly, it caused our grid markers to move slightly. We are reinforcing these markers to ensure they remain secure for continued analysis.
Additionally, the SeaSearcher had originally been built to operate in zero visibility and little to no current at Melbourne Beach. When we began to focus on Juno Beach, we had to deal with multiple current speeds, sometimes greater than six knots, greater pressure at three atmospheres, and different sediment structures, as well as other unique characteristics of the area. This required us to make significant changes to the design and operations of the SeaSearcher, including new parts, new hand-written software, new algorithms, and new training, all of which required painstaking testing in the lab and on the site repeatedly.
While this process took several months, we now have the most advanced, sensitive SeaSearcher capable of working in all conditions at Juno Beach. The new scans we are about to conduct, as soon as the wind, waves, and currents allow us back out, will reflect our previous anomalies in relation to permanent markers and will expand into new areas of interest.
SeaSearcher Advancements
Our proprietary SeaSearcher technology continues to evolve, setting new standards in underwater detection. This year, we:
Achieved 90% completion of a handheld version of the SeaSearcher, adding unprecedented flexibility to our operations.
Enhanced the platform’s metal discrimination capabilities, improving its ability to differentiate ferrous, non-ferrous, and precious metals.
Overcame delays in sourcing key components, ensuring that future innovations remain on track.
These advancements reflect the tireless work of our team, particularly Tim and his group, who have refined this groundbreaking technology to maximize its efficiency and precision.
Expansion of Infrastructure
Recognizing the growing demands of our operations, we secured additional lab and conservation space. This expanded facility not only accommodates the increased volume of artifacts—which now exceeds 1,000 items, excluding lead sheathing—but also enhances our ability to document, analyze, and preserve historical finds. Andrew and the lab team deserve special recognition for their meticulous work in cataloging and conserving artifacts of varying sizes and significance.
Reinforcing Our Mission Through Results
We are committed to delivering tangible progress and value through our exploration and recovery efforts. Here are some highlights that reflect our ongoing work:
Unparalleled Accuracy and Efficiency: The SeaSearcher has enabled us to pinpoint areas of interest with remarkable precision, reducing time and resources spent on broad excavation efforts. This allows us to focus on significant areas where valuable insights and artifacts lie.
Maximizing Field Opportunities: Despite unprecedented weather challenges, our dive teams and field technicians have made substantial progress during every workable day. From refining scans to enhancing grid stability, every step has moved us closer to meaningful outcomes.
Long-Term Vision: Recovery and analysis are deliberate processes. By ensuring every artifact is properly documented and preserved, we are safeguarding cultural and historical significance while setting a benchmark for industry standards.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Continuing Operations
As soon as conditions improve, we will:
Take several core samples in the area for a better understanding of the site.
Deploy the SeaSearcher off our coast on selected sites.
Continue to explore and map new areas with the Cesium Vapor Magnetometer to broaden our portfolio.
Computerize our overseas research on hundreds of shipwrecks.
Continue to expand both our conservation lab and our technology lab with Wild Manta.
Complete our handheld discriminator with an advanced sonar array.
A Team of Extraordinary Professionals
I am incredibly proud of the team of professionals Seafarer has assembled. This team includes divers, captains, archaeologists, scientists, accountants, operational administrative managers, board advisors, and our board of directors. I believe the people behind this mission are capable of accomplishing something monumental. I have witnessed their determination and ability to overcome every obstacle thrown at them with brilliance, integrity, and relentless physical work. These people are not ordinary.
The Seafarer team consists of individuals who lead in their own way, and giving up is not in their vocabulary. Their ability to handle adversity is unmatched. Their faith in Seafarer and their belief in our mission are what solidify my confidence in our success. I am continually humbled to be in their presence, knowing that their spirit and talents will drive Seafarer toward a historic year for our shareholders. I firmly believe that 2025 will be our year.
A Note of Gratitude
This has been a year of resilience and progress, and none of it would have been possible without your unwavering support. To those who have followed our journey closely and share our passion for the work we do: your dedication inspires us to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in underwater archaeology. Together, we are building something extraordinary.
Here’s to a prosperous and discovery-filled 2025!
Warm regards,
Kyle Kennedy
CEO, Seafarer Exploration