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New York races to uncover Ground Zero mystery ship

New Yorkers raced against time Friday to reveal the secrets of a mostly intact, 18th century sailing ship found in the muddy foundations of the World Trade Center reconstruction site.

The ghostly vessel emerged from the mud earlier this week, its hull and deck virtually complete and still equipped with an anchor. But with sudden exposure to air wreaking havoc on the wood, archaeologists are hurrying to examine their find.

The unexpected echo from Manhattan's early years as a seafaring island -- long before skyscrapers and the business district conquered the neighborhood around Ground Zero -- was a welcome surprise....

Read entire article at AFP