Skinner's Secret

Archeologists get excited when a ship that had scuttled off an island in South Carolina (Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge/Cape Roman Island) is discovered buried in the marsh. All that is left is the hull that was buried deep in the sediment. Archeological evidence suggests it was a slave ship that had either been bound for one of the pirate ports, or the slaves had commandeered the ship and crashed it on purpose. The archeological team is still scouring the wetlands for clues. One confusing thing is that there is so far no evidence of bodies. Little do they know that the ship is cursed. Someone gets a splinter when they rub their hand over the helm. They take a sick day after developing a fever and becoming severely dehydrated. Later, they are found to be dead, floating in the ocean, and partially mummified. Like a dried piece of wood. The number of people getting sick has raised concerns of an ancient disease resurfacing from the artifacts. Anyone who touches the ship in a way that damages it accidentally, or attempts to destroy it, becomes afflicted. To keep people from dying, they need to be on saline constantly. However, after two days, the patient becomes delusional and attempts to walk out into the ocean. One of the unaffected workers seeks advice from their grandmother. Grandmother advises that they get in touch with the Gulla Geechee people. It was one of the first free African communities in the United States, so they have been able to hold onto many of the original traditions and faiths. They might be able to give some advice because it sounds like his friends are cursed. After all: what happened to the original crew?