Feb. 8, 2026:  Castle Guardians Install Framed Tents to Protect Excavation Sites at Castle Pinckney

Feb. 8, 2026

Six Castle Guardians aboard a 21 foot Carolina skiff journeyed from James Island across Charleston Harbor on a mission around 10 a.m. Sunday, February 8 to protect excavation sites at Castle Pinkney on Shute’s Folly.

“We erected 10′ X 20′ protective framed covers or tents over two of the castle’s excavation sites,” said Matthew Locke, the group’s leader. “This was a significant step forward in an ongoing excavation process, and most importantly, the preservation of the castle’s cannons and other artifacts.

“If these framed covers prove effective,” Locke added, “we plan to erect additional ones over more excavation sites.”

Surprisingly, constructing and erecting the protective covers over the excavation sites was not the most difficult part of the day’s mission.

Salter, at the helm of the skiff transporting the group to and from Castle Pinckney, said the “main challenge” was “getting over to Castle Pinckney.”

He had to transport enough low profile tent material for two large tents aboard the skiff to Shute’s Folly, safely negotiate the boat away from the rocks surrounding the island where Castle Pinckney is located, and then moor the boat in the proper spot.

“I had to constantly check on the skiff,” Salter explained, “to make sure a large boat didn’t pass by, upset the skiff and toss its contents overboard.”

He succeeded!

The Castle Guardians raised the flag of the Maritime Association of South Carolina flag shortly before returning to James Island around 2:30 p.m. More

The MASC, a nonprofit trade association based in North Charleston, serves as the voice of the state’s maritime commerce and logistics sector. For 100 years, the association has worked tirelessly to advocate for issues affecting the industry, and to advance, promote and protect the interests of South Carolina’s maritime community.