Bronze Cannon From Ship That Sank 140 Years Ago Found In Alaska Waters

Divers have recovered a bronze cannon from a ship that sank in Cook Inlet 140 years ago, according to Alaska's State Historic Preservation Office. The cannon was recovered from the wooden sailing bark Torrent. Such small, lightweight field artillery pieces were first produced in 1837.They were used by both Union and Confederate troops in the Civil War, and used by the U.S. in battles with American Indians. On July 15, 1868 the Torrent sank after a strong tidal current carried it into a reef. All those on board reached shore, but the vessel and its contents were lost. The Torrent shipwreck site has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.