of maritime engineering and a window on Bermuda's past, marine archaeologists say.

The hulk, which has been a fixture off the point for decades, has become the focus of study in recent months by two marine archaeologists from Brown University in Rhode Island.

After three weeks of diving at the site, Professor Richard Gould and graduate student Miss Donna Souza say they have become particularly interested in the wreck for its unusual construction and history.

British Navy ships once depended for maintenance and repair on the floating dry dock which was located at Dockyard.

It was the "key element in the success of British Naval operations during much of the 19th and early 20th centuries in Bermuda,'' said Miss Souza. "It may very well be the most important artifact brought to Bermuda.'' Miss Souza said the dock was a unique technical innovation. It was the first floating dock to be built entirely of wrought iron and the only one in the world that is "self-careening.'' She said the dock was able to tilt one side out of the water for cleaning and repairs.

The archaeologists first became interested in the floating dock four years ago when diving on the shipwreck Vixen . They have been planning the project for 18 months.

Funding has been provided by the Bermuda Maritime Museum with some assistance by volunteer divers of the Bermuda Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC). The Spanish Point Boat Club is providing dock facilities.

For three weeks, Miss Souza, Prof. Gould, dive master Mr. Brian Furniss, and the volunteer divers have been mapping and measuring the site of the dock.

Prof. Gould feels the dock -- built in 1860 -- "is a very important part of Bermuda's history.

"It was designed and built specifically for operation in Bermuda and was the largest in the world. Its arrival here from England, where it was built, caused much celebration.'' "It was a true feat of engineering,'' Miss Souza added. Her assessment was shared by the rest of the research team. "The more you get into it, the more you realise how unique it is,'' said Mr. Furniss.

Prof. Gould added: "When people discover what it is, it will bring a new interest.'' The project is part of ongoing research being carried out by the Maritime Museum on Bermuda's fortifications.

The visiting archaeologists will remain here one more week. They will not complete their research, but Prof. Gould said: "We may possibly be here next summer to finish the project.'' UNIQUE WRECK -- Marine archaeologists Dr. Richard Gould and Miss Donna Souza emerge from beneath the floating dock at Spanish Point.

MUSEUMS MUS