In the mountains of the Ararat region was a boat-shaped object longer than a football field, the size of a battleship, at 6300 ft altitude.
Dr. Brandenburger, the photogammetry expert from Ohio State University, became interested. Brandenburger was responsible for discovering the Cuban missile bases during the Kennedy era, and after carefully studying the photo, concluded: "I have no doubt at all, that this object is a ship. In my entire career, I have never seen an object like this on a stereo photo."
In September 1960, the picture was published in LIFE magazine under the heading "Noah's Ark?" That same year a group of Americans accompanied Capt. Durupinar to the site for a day and a half, but superficial investigations found nothing promising. The group conducted some digging, but finally concluded that the site contained "nothing of archaeological interest." However, their verdict was not unanimous.
Seventeen years later, in 1977, Ron Wyatt visited the site. Obtaining official permission, Ron and others over a period of several years conducted more thorough research. Utilising metal detection surveys, subsurface radar scans, laboratory tests and chemical analysis, etc., their findings were quite startling. The evidence was undeniable. ( Above One of the many anchorstones near the site. )
In December 1986, after investigative work by their own scientists, members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and researchers from Ataturk University met and concluded that this was indeed the remains of the legendary ark. In recognition for his work, Ron was invited to be guest of honour at the opening of a new national park on June 20, 1987. In May, 1989, the visitors centre was opened.(photo below right)
Radar and other tests reveal an advanced state of petrification and collapse.
Indications are that the top two decks have collapsed and the rubble is lying on the bottom deck, as shown in the diagram. The radar reveals the hull and the bottom deck area is in a better state of preservation, and still contains empty chambers.
During the investigations, three different types of metal detector revealed a consistent pattern of iron at regular intervals. Subsequent radar scans of the full length of the structure were made - length wise, crosswise and laterally along the sides. The ground-penetrating radar showed, with refined detail, the same pattern picked up by the metal detectors. And the radar revealed extra information which was stunning. Walls, cavities, a door near the south end (the 'front') and ramps appeared in the scans. Near the bow, were two large cylindrical tanks, 4.2 metres high and 7.2 metres across (14 x 24 feet), with metal bands around them. How did others react? David Fasold, a marine salvage expert working on the site, said: "For one to quibble away such a coincidence as a boat shape upon the mountains of Ararat, 300 cubits in length with an average 50 cubit width and ascribe it to chance, is in my opinion, to drive scepticism beyond limits." ( metal rivet below left )
Petrified Laminated Wood
FOSSILIZED deck timber recovered from the site proved to be laminated wood. Tests by Galbraith Labs in Knoxville, Tennessee, showed the sample to contain over 0.7% organic carbon, consistent with fossilized wood. The specimen was once living matter. Thin sections from the sample revealed the wood consisted of three layers.( below left ) It was actually laminated wood! Never before has petrified wood been found that was laminated. This sample is totally unique in the world, and reveals the construction methods used by builders of the Ark were very advanced. This type of wood composition may be the "gopher wood" spoken of in Genesis.
This ancient 'marine plywood' contains petrified resin which has oozed from between layers. The heads of nails can also be seen. ( right )