| Title | Ballasting of ships |
| Caption | This diver is seen on the 1852 wreck of the Heroine. The pig iron ballast is seen next to him. They resemble bricks. This type of ballast was also used in the timeframe of the Roanoke voyages. |
| Source | http://www.hsd1223.org.uk/wreck-information/the-wreck-of-the-heroine-1852/ |
| Date | 2006 |
| URL | http://www.hsd1223.org.uk/wreck-information/the-wreck-of-the-heroine-1852/ |
| Type | Photograph |
| Origin | Internet |
The OED defines "ballast" as follows: "Any heavy material, such as gravel, sand, metal, water, etc., placed in the hold of a ship to weigh it down in the water and prevent it from capsizing when under sail or in motion."