Divers from the Florida Aquarium are nearly certain that they have located the wreck of Confederate blockade-runner Scottish Chief in 15 feet of water in the Hillsbourough River near Blake High School.
They located the vessel, once owned by James McKay, one of Tampa's founders, by sonar after three weeks of search. It was 124 feet long steamer made of oak and pine. On outward trips through the blockade, it carried cotton and cattle hides and returned with guns and ammunition as well as Cuban cigars and fine wines.
McKay made six successful runs through the Union ships who decided to end them once and for all.
It was heavily damaged during a Union attack October 13, 1863, and towed to the spot and salvaged before sinking. The blockade-runner Kate Dale, also sunk in the attack, was found last summer. A third vessel, a barge called the Noyes, was also damaged and believed sunk within 150 yards of the Scottish Chief.
From September 15th Tampa Tribune.
Always Good News to Find a Relic of the War. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
