Marine Sanctuaries and Shipwreck Preserves

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) surveys, documents, and protects archaeological sites in Maryland waters. This includes working with local, state, and federal governments to care for sites that are in National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) and Historic Shipwreck Preserves.

This page introduces two of these places: the Mallows Bay-Potomac River NMS and the U-1105 “Black Panther” Historic Shipwreck Preserve (U-1105 Preserve). Learn about their history, how MHT helps manage them, and how to visit them safely.

Why marine sanctuaries and shipwreck preserves matter 

Underwater archaeological sites and artifacts preserve important information about our shared history and culture. However, they are vulnerable to damage by activities that take place on or in the water, such as anchoring boats or the collection of artifacts. 

The Mallows Bay-Potomac River NMS and the U-1105 Preserve both contain shipwrecks that reveal important stories about the maritime history of Maryland and the United States. To make sure these stories can continue being told, MHT helps: 

• Protect fragile cultural resources from damage and looting
• Support controlled access for documentation, monitoring, and underwater archaeological survey
• Demonstrate how cultural and natural resources can be shared and enjoyed responsibly 

General guidelines for visiting marine sanctuaries and shipwreck preserves

• Stay safe: You can explore these sites by following posted guidelines and approved access methods. Some activities may require permits, notifications, or coordination with local, state, or federal agencies. 
• Plan for conditions: Always check safety requirements and conditions before visiting. Activities that take place on the water carry unique risks and require site-specific planning, training, and equipment. 
• Protect the sites: Once damaged or destroyed, these sites cannot be replaced. Do not disturb or remove artifacts. Respecting sites keeps them intact for future generations.

Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary 

Located on the Potomac River in Southern Maryland, Mallows Bay is home to one of the largest historic ship graveyards in the Western Hemisphere. Over 100 World War I-era steamships were abandoned in Mallows Bay during the 1930s. Since then, they have transformed into vital habitats for plant and animal species to thrive both above and below the waterline. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated Mallows Bay-Potomac River an NMS in 2019 to protect these natural and cultural resources. 

Visit conditions & site access 

Mallows Bay is one of Maryland’s best-known kayaking destinations. Paddlers can explore wooden ship hulls that rise above the water at low tide.

• Site Access: Public kayak launches and parking are available at Mallows Bay Park, managed by Charles County. From the launch, visitors can follow a marked NMS kayak trail with interpretive signs along the route.
• Stay safe: Always wear a life jacket and carry a whistle or signaling device. Check weather and tides before visiting. The site’s shallow water and shifting currents can expose or submerge the wrecks within hours. 
• Protect the sites: Avoid standing and walking on or between the wrecks.

MHT’s regulatory role 

• MHT manages the unique maritime landscape of the Mallows Bay-Potomac River NMS in collaboration with NOAA, Charles County Government, and other local, state, and federal partners. 
• MHT maintains site documentation, including wreck locations and conditions, under Maryland heritage laws. 

U-1105 “Black Panther” Historic Shipwreck Preserve

U-1105 was a German Type VII-C U-boat nicknamed “Black Panther.” It was intentionally sunk during a 1949 demolitions test by the U.S. Navy in the Potomac River near Piney Point (St. Mary’s County). In 1995, U-1105 became the state’s first historic shipwreck preserve under agreements between the U.S. Navy, Maryland, and St. Mary’s County.

U-1105 now rests upright in about 90 feet of water. Its depth has largely protected it from damage caused by natural and human forces, but much of the U-boat is now buried under sediment. Only its conning tower and some of the upper deck remain unburied. Evidence of impact damage from anchors and some of the features that make U-1105 unique are visible on unburied portions.

The construction of U-1105 included rare features and innovations added in response to advances by the United States and its Allies during WWII. Features visible on the conning tower include its anti-sonar “Alberich” coating, its snorkel and exhaust trunking that provided the fresh air necessary to charge the batteries while U-1105 was still submerged, and an anti-aircraft gun platform called a “wintergarten.” 

Visit conditions & site access

Piney Point Lighthouse Museum has an exhibit on the history of the U-1105, including artifacts and a scale model. Anyone can visit the museum exhibit.

• Site access: Only certified SCUBA divers can visit U-1105. This is an advanced dive due to strong currents and near-zero visibility. Before your visit, download and review the U-1105 Visitor Info Sheet - PDF - 113.83 KB.
• Plan for conditions: There are no commercial dive charters to the site, so divers must arrange their own transportation and plan for their own safety.
• Protect the site: Do not anchor on or near the U-1105 Preserve. A mooring buoy is provided for visitors between April and November, which is maintained with assistance from the Battle of the Atlantic Research and Expedition Group.
• Site Condition Report: MHT requests that divers help track site conditions and report any unusual observations (e.g., shifting wreckage or new damage).

MHT’s regulatory role 

• MHT documents and monitors site conditions, as well as tracks damage and vandalism.
• MHT manages the U-1105 Preserve in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and St. Mary’s County, with assistance from the Battle of the Atlantic Research and Expedition Group.