Mysterious Wreck Discovered by Florida Fisherman May Be a Prohibition-Era Rum-Runner
September 8, 2025 — A Florida fisherman’s discovery of a mysterious wreck off the coast of Aripeka, about 50 miles north of Tampa, has sparked speculation that it could be a 19th-century rum-runner, potentially linked to the Prohibition era. Thomas Peterson, a self-described “Florida redneck,” stumbled upon the remains while fishing with his grandson in Hernando County, uncovering what he believes to be a piece of maritime history hidden beneath shallow waters.
The Discovery
Peterson spotted what he initially described as a “green thing” resembling a shag carpet during low tide in Aripeka, a small coastal community. Upon closer inspection, he identified wooden beams scattered across the mud flats, suggesting the remnants of an old vessel. “My boys say it’s a dock, but I say no, it’s definitely a boat,” Peterson told FOX 13 Tampa Bay. “It’s pretty cool finding a piece of history.” While exploring the site, he found a piece of purple-tinted glass, possibly from an old liquor bottle, fueling speculation that the wreck could be tied to rum-running—the illegal smuggling of alcohol during Prohibition (1920–1933).
The wreck’s location, revealed by low tide, aligns with Florida’s history as a hub for maritime smuggling during the 1920s, when bootleggers used small, fast boats to transport liquor from the Caribbean to the U.S. coast. Peterson believes the ship may predate Prohibition, potentially dating back to the 19th century, though its exact origins remain uncertain pending further investigation.
Historical Context
Rum-running was a lucrative and dangerous trade during Prohibition, with Florida’s extensive coastline making it a prime route for smugglers. Vessels, often loaded with whiskey or rum, would navigate shallow waters to evade Coast Guard patrols. Shipwrecks from this era are not uncommon in Florida, as storms, navigational errors, or pursuits could lead to vessels running aground or sinking. The discovery of the purple-tinted glass, which was commonly used in older bottles, adds intrigue, hinting at the wreck’s possible role in smuggling operations.
Hernando County residents have embraced the rum-runner theory, with some speculating that the site could have been a hub for illicit liquor trade. Similar discoveries, such as the four 18th-century shipwrecks uncovered in North Carolina’s Cape Fear area earlier this year, underscore the prevalence of historical wrecks along U.S. coasts, often revealed by natural events like tides or storms.
Investigation and Next Steps
Local archaeologists are expected to examine the Aripeka wreck to determine its age, origin, and historical significance. Under Florida law, archaeological sites are protected due to their public importance, and only qualified experts can conduct excavations. The state will oversee any findings, ensuring the wreck is preserved or studied appropriately. The investigation will likely involve analyzing the ship’s construction, artifacts like the glass fragment, and any other materials recovered to confirm whether it was indeed a rum-runner or a vessel from an earlier period.
Peterson, who has been fishing in the area with his grandson for a decade, expressed excitement about the find, noting its personal significance. “I’ve been out there fishing for 10 years with my grandson. He got his first big redfish there,” he said. While he doesn’t believe the wreck holds hidden treasure, Peterson cherishes the discovery as a tangible connection to history.
Broader Implications
The Aripeka find adds to a growing list of maritime discoveries in Florida, where coastal erosion and hurricanes often unearth long-hidden wrecks. For instance, in 2022, Hurricanes Ian and Nicole exposed a possible 19th-century shipwreck near Daytona Beach Shores, estimated to be 80–100 feet long. Such discoveries highlight the state’s rich maritime past and the ongoing challenge of preserving these sites amidst environmental changes.
As archaeologists prepare to investigate, the Aripeka wreck has captured local imagination, with residents and historians eager to uncover whether it was a rum-runner evading authorities or a different kind of vessel lost to time. For now, Peterson’s find remains a tantalizing mystery, offering a glimpse into Florida’s storied coastal history.
Sources: TotalNEWS, FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Newswav, USA Today, FOX 35 Orlando