Analysis and Technical Report of Remote Sensing Data for the USS Kinsman

Abstract

Abstract : This report details the results of research and analysis of remote sensing data for an area of approximately 25 acres south of Morgan City along the south bank of Bayou Boeuf at a point where it enters Berwick Bay in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Earth Search, Inc. (ESI), was contracted by the New Orleans District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (NODCOE), to conduct background research and analyze side-scan sonar, magnetometer, bathymetry, multi-beam swath sonar data for the study area, which is near to the NODCOE's maintenance dredging area in Bayou Boeuf where it enters Berwick Bay. The dredging, which has been ongoing since 1973, now appears to be very close to a possible historic shipwreck, possibly that of the USS Kinsman. Analyses revealed a total of 17 anomalies, seven of which may be associated with the Kinsman. It is recommended that Phase II investigations be undertaken on these seven anomalies to determine their nature, age, significance, and National Register eligibility.