[SunkenCiv]

1,000 feet from the coast, so, it’s understandable. Could have been modern wreck debris, modern dumping, or a natural item. Unlike some of the FReepers around here who think whatever they happen to remember from school 60 years ago is fixed and immutable, some scientist learned about this and finally checked it out.

[Dr. Franklin]

1,000 feet from the coast, so, it’s understandable.

No, it's not, unless you think that archeologists should only conduct searches in places if they can get large grants for digs, and shouldn't check out things on their own in their free time.

Could have been modern wreck debris, modern dumping, or a natural item

It could have been many things, including an ancient sculpture, which it is. Many experts with fancy doctorates miss important finds because of a lack of curiosity. The term "educated idiots" comes to mind. Seek and ye shall find. Keep your head up your arse, and learn nothing.