Maritime archaeologists see these waterlogged hulls as museums of how seafaring, warfare, exploration, and life was back in the past. The way they sank, how they were designed, and what cargo is on board lead to conclusions of what the times were like. Even though they are treasure troves of historical information now, I guarantee the crew and passengers preferred to make it to their destination safely.
The main causes of shipwrecks include spotty design, navigational error, bad weather, fire, improper cargo stowing, and of course, warfare. When determining who owns the goods aboard a shipwreck, they are split into separate categories: wreccum maris (stuff washed ashore) and adventurae maris (stuff at sea). Historic wrecks are often protected from pillaging through laws protecting cultural heritage. Those maritime archaeologists wouldn't be able to learn anything fighting off treasure-hungry looters!
