Archaeologists say a shipwreck believed to have belonged to the pirate Blackbeard will be fully excavated in three years. The shipwreck is off the coast of North Carolina and is thought to have sunk there in 1718.

Archaeologists researching the site have recovered numerous artifacts, including cannons, jewelry, dishes and other items. The artifacts are being preserved at East Carolina University.

There's a permanent museum exhibit of the artifacts at North Carolina Maritime Museum, as well as a maritime museum in Paris.

Researchers say they believe the ship is a former French slave ship Blackbeard captured in 1717. The pirate renamed it Queen Anne's Revenge. He was killed by members of the Royal Navy about five months later.