National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts on her search for lost sunken slave
Black Divers Unearth History of Sunken Slave Ships
In a remarkable journey of rediscovery, National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts has dedicated her life to uncovering the stories of enslaved Africans lost to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. After quitting her job and learning to dive, Roberts now works alongside a group of Black conservationists to locate and document the wrecks of slave ships, reclaiming a vital part of history that has long been submerged.
The Journey Begins
Roberts’ journey began with a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. A colleague gifted her a ticket to the museum, which had been booked solid for months. Initially reluctant to confront the painful history encapsulated within its walls, she felt compelled to go. As she explored the exhibits, she encountered the story of the São José Paquete d’África, a Portuguese slave ship that sank off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. This moment ignited a passion within her to learn more about the human stories behind the tragic era of the transatlantic slave trade.
The São José was one of approximately 12,000 ships that transported an estimated 12.5 million Africans to the Americas between the 1500s and 1800s. The museum’s exhibits detailed the harrowing journeys of these individuals, many of whom perished during the Middle Passage. The emotional weight of this history compelled Roberts to take action.
Diving with Purpose
Inspired by her visit, Roberts discovered the organization Diving With a Purpose (DWP), which trains individuals to assist in underwater archaeology focused on the African diaspora. The organization aims to locate and document sunken slave ships, ensuring that the stories of those lost at sea are not forgotten.
Roberts reached out to DWP and learned that they were actively seeking volunteers. She decided to take the plunge—literally—by enrolling in a scuba diving course. Over the next few months, she trained rigorously, preparing for the challenges of underwater exploration. The camaraderie she found among her fellow divers, many of whom were Black, helped her feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
Discovering the Henrietta Marie
One of the most significant discoveries made by DWP was the wreck of the Henrietta Marie, a slave ship that sank in 1700. The ship was found off the coast of Florida, and its artifacts revealed the grim realities of the slave trade. Among the items recovered were shackles used to restrain captives, as well as trading beads and elephant tusks.
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The Henrietta Marie had been lost to the ocean for nearly three centuries before it was rediscovered by salvagers in 1972. The artifacts recovered from the wreck site were shared at the first conference of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS), co-founded by Doc Jones, a prominent figure in the Black diving community. The emotional impact of these artifacts was profound, reducing even the toughest divers to tears, particularly when they encountered shackles designed for children.
Honoring the Lost
The divers of DWP and NABS felt a deep responsibility to honor the lives lost during the Middle Passage. They placed a plaque at the wreck site of the Henrietta Marie, inscribed with a message of remembrance for the enslaved Africans who endured unimaginable suffering. The plaque serves as a reminder of the resilience of those who were lost and the importance of acknowledging their stories.
Roberts’ journey has not only been about uncovering the past but also about reclaiming her own identity and purpose. Through her work with DWP, she has connected with her heritage and the broader narrative of the African diaspora. Her story is a testament to the power of diving deep—not just into the ocean, but into the history that shapes our understanding of humanity.
As Roberts continues her mission, she invites others to join her in this vital work of remembrance and discovery, ensuring that the voices of the past are heard and honored.
