Spanish forts in South Carolina threatened by erosion

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Archaeologists say 16th century Spanish forts in South Carolina suffer from heavy erosion and could disappear as the seas rise.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reported archaeologists are worried about the future of old forts and the Spanish colony of Santa Elena on what is now Parris Island.

Archaeologists Chester DePratter and Victor Thompson wrote in the journal "Remote Sensing" that the rise of sea levels in Port Royal Sound would erase the opportunity to learn about the Spanish colony. DePratter and Thompson say the site could be gone by the end of this century and possibly sooner.

The Spanish occupied Santa Elena almost continuously from 1566 until 1587.

The archaeologists have worked with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on the site under the depot's golf course.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• CMPD: Drunk driver killed after speeding, running stop sign near NoDa
• Toys 'R' Us considers closing U.S. stores: reports
• VIDEO: Ex-Asheville officer charged after beating alleged jaywalker
• WATCH: Vicki Graf's Friday forecast outlook
• Huntersville man held on $1 million bond after alleged school threat

Associated Press