Underwater Memorial to Slave Ship Henrietta Marie Draws Pilgrims in Key West
An underwater memorial off the coast of Key West, Florida, commemorates the British slave ship Henrietta Marie, which sank in 1700. The site has become a pilgrimage destination for Black divers and community members seeking to connect with their ancestral roots. The Henrietta Marie had transported enslaved Africans from West Africa to Jamaica before sinking. The memorial, marked by a concrete monument, serves as a poignant reminder of the trans-Atlantic slave trade's history. Pilgrims, including members of the Underwater Adventure Seekers, visit the site to pay respects and reflect on the courage and suffering of their ancestors.