How many more red flags does Kyle Kennedy have to display before investors realize that money invested here is all but certain to be money lost?
Summary
Seafarer Exploration Corp. (“the Company” or “Seafarer”), a Florida Corporation, was incorporated on May 28, 2003. The Company formerly operated under the name Organetix, Inc. (“Organetix”). The Company’s principal business plan is to develop the infrastructure to engage in rescue archaeology, archaeologically-sensitive exploration and research, recovery and conservation of historic shipwrecks and to eventually monetize the recovery of artifacts. The business plan includes in-depth archival research and translation of historical documents from archives and repositories from around the world. The plan also includes the development of various new technologies, including the flagship SeaSearcher technology, which will improve efficiencies of both time and accuracy, as well as create a smaller operational footprint.
The exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks is by nature very speculative, and there is a high degree of risk inherent in this type of business venture. The exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks involves a multi-year, multi-stage process that may take very long periods of time, several years to decades, and/or be prohibitively expensive to locate and successfully recover valuable artifacts, if any are ever located at all, from historic shipwreck sites. It is for those reasons that Seafarer and others feel it is mandatory to develop new advanced technologies that can be utilized to more efficiently conduct exploration and recovery operations.
The Company is also actively researching, exploring and testing new technology to help more accurately understand current and future historic shipwreck sites in an unobtrusive manner. Up to the date of this filing, all tests of new and unproven technology and methods have failed with the exception of the Company’s proprietary SeaSearcher device which is still in development. Additional scientists have been hired as consultants to assist in these endeavors. The ongoing cost of SeaSearcher development is substantial and is an additional and significant financial hurdle for the Company. Seafarer believes the advancement of this technology is important for the advancement of the field of archaeology.
The Company regularly reviews opportunities to perform exploration and recovery operations at purported historic shipwreck sites; however, the Company does not have specific plans to perform exploration and recovery operations at other shipwreck sites at the present time. The Company is actively reviewing other potential historic shipwreck sites for possible exploration and recovery. Should the Company decide that it will pursue exploration and recovery activities at other potential shipwreck sites it may be necessary to obtain permits as well as environmental permits. Some potential shipwreck sites are outside of State waters which will be very advantageous to Seafarer since state permitting agencies will not be able to continuously hamper or slow Seafarer’s operations, as demonstrated in the past.
There are a number of other significant challenges and risks regarding this type of business venture that make it a perilous business venture with the potential that the Company could fail. If the Company were to cease its operations, it is likely that there would be complete loss of all capital invested in and/or borrowed by the Company to date.
Limited Revenue and Significant Operating Losses
The Company expects to continue to incur significant operating losses and to generate negative cash flows from operating activities while developing the necessary infrastructure and technology for the exploration of historic shipwreck sites.
The Company’s ability to eliminate operating losses and to generate positive cash flow from operations in the future will depend upon a variety of factors, many of which it is unable to control. Based on our historical rate of expenditures, the Company expects to expend its available cash in three months or less from March 26, 2024. If the Company is unable to implement its business plan successfully, it may not be able to eliminate operating losses, generate positive cash flow, or achieve or sustain profitability, which would materially and adversely affect its business, operations, and financial results, as well as its ability to make payments on its debt obligations, and the Company may be forced to cease its operations. If the Company is not able to continue to raise capital, then it will be forced to cease its operations, which would likely result in both the complete loss of all capital invested in and loans provided to the Company.
The Company’s Auditor has Substantial Doubts as to the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.
The Company has not generated any meaningful revenue since inception. Our future is dependent upon our ability to obtain financing to continue our exploration activities. We may seek additional funds through private placements of our common stock. For the past several years the Company’s auditors have issued an opinion that substantial doubt exists as to whether the Company can continue as a going concern, making it more challenging for the Company to obtain financing from investors. If the Company becomes unable to obtain financing, then it is very likely that it will be forced to cease operations and all capital invested in or loaned to the Company will be lost. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets, or the amounts of and classification of liabilities that might be necessary in the event we cannot continue in existence.
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Companies such as Seafarer that do not generate significant cash flow to cover expenses must rely on outside financing, which carries a very high degree of risk due to the fact that it may become extremely challenging or impossible to obtain such outside financing. We cannot guarantee we will be successful in generating revenue in the future or be successful in raising funds through the sale of shares to pay for the Company’s business plan and expenditures. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not generate any significant revenues from continuing operations. Failure to generate revenue or to raise funds could cause us to go out of business, which would result in the complete loss of all investors’ capital in the Company.
General
It has been estimated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (“UNESCO”) that there are over three million undiscovered shipwrecks around the world and some of these shipwrecks were lost with verifiable cargoes that contained valuable materials, including artifacts and treasure. However, many of these shipwrecks may have very little archaeological or historical value, and furthermore, a high percentage of these shipwrecks would not have been carrying valuable cargo including artifacts or treasure.
The Company’s principal business plan is to develop the infrastructure and technology to engage in the rescue archaeology-sensitive exploration, recovery and conservation of historic shipwrecks and develop new technologies to vastly improve archaeology. Once artifacts have been properly conserved, they will be made available for scientific research and allowed to be displayed for the public.
The Company believes it may eventually be conducting archaeological research and rescue archaeology around the world and potentially supporting governmental or quasi-governmental organizations, universities and affiliated research groups and private research entities in the documentation and survey of historic shipwrecks based on their discretion. The business plan also includes in-depth archival research and translation of historical documents from various international archives and repositories. These translations of archival research will be made available to the country of origin, the State of Florida, university researchers, and other responsible academic parties upon reasonable request. The Company works with archaeologists to attempt to further ensure all sensitive archaeological guidelines are met or exceeded.
The Company has investigated various technologies and non-scientific equipment to help better explore or document historic shipwreck sites. To the present date, none of these technologies have been proven to have any efficacy with the exception of the SeaSearcher. The SeaSearcher has however experienced technical issues during the development phase that have caused operational delays that are expensive both in terms of repairs and down time. The Company, along with its development partner, is attempting to develop a hand held metal discriminator for precision location of ferrous and nonferrous metals based on the SeaSearcher technology, as well as other technologies to improve operating efficiencies. The Company will continue to experiment with unproven technologies and will actively work with third parties, consultants and scientists to develop its own proprietary technology which will result in extra expenses to the Company. These development expenses will continue indefinitely.
The exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks involves a multi-year, multi-stage process. It may take many years and/or be prohibitively expensive to locate, if any are ever located at all, and recover valuable artifacts from historic shipwrecks. Locating and recovering valuable artifacts is very challenging, expensive, and rare which is why the Company is developing the SeaSearcher at significant expense. If the Company is not able to locate artifacts or treasure with significant value, then there is a high probability that the Company will face adverse consequences which would likely result in the loss of both all capital invested in or loaned to the Company.
There are a number of significant issues and challenges including, but not limited to, government regulation and/or the Company’s inability to secure permits and contracts, lack of financing, lack of revenue and cash flow and continued losses from operations that make the exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks a speculative business venture. There is also significant expense involved in research and ongoing educational programs. Research expenses may involve paying scientists for translations, and research dues and fees for various historical entities such as archives, travel and accommodations, and research materials, as well as developmental expenses for the SeaSearcher and the continued expense of teaching our divers archaeology.
Furthermore, underwater recovery operations are inherently difficult and dangerous and may be delayed or suspended by weather, sea conditions or other natural hazards. In addition, even though sea conditions in a particular search location may be somewhat predictable, the possibility exists that unexpected conditions may occur, and already have occurred, that adversely affect the Company’s operations. It is also possible that natural hazards may prevent or significantly delay search and recovery operations.
In addition to natural hazards there may be constant repair and maintenance issues with historic shipwreck exploration and recovery vessels. The Company’s past primary exploration vessel was an older vessel that was originally used in other capacities and has been converted for use in historic shipwreck exploration and recovery operations. The repairs, maintenance and upkeep of vessels, is time consuming and can be very expensive and there may be significant periods of vessel down time that results from needed repairs being made or a lack of current financing to make repairs to the vessel.
Even if the Company is able to obtain permits for historic shipwreck projects, there is a possibility that the shipwrecks may have already been salvaged, may not be located, or may not have had anything valuable on board at the time that they sank. The potential advantage of the newly developed technology is designed to potentially eliminate or reduce these risks. It is the Company’s intent to find shipwrecks where available research suggests there were not any previous recovery efforts or past recovery efforts failed or were not completed. In the event that valuable artifacts are located and recovered, it is possible that the cost of recovery will exceed the value of the artifacts recovered. It is also possible that other entities, including both private parties and governmental entities, will assert conflicting claims and challenge the Company’s rights to the recovered artifacts.
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Moreover, there is the possibility that should the Company be successful in locating and recovering artifacts that have significant archeological and/or monetary value, that a country whose ship was salvaged may attempt to claim ownership of the artifacts by pursuing litigation. In the event that the Company is able to make a valid claim to artifacts or other items at a shipwreck site, there is a risk of theft of such items at sea, both before or after the recovery or while the artifacts are in transit to a safe destination, as well as when stored in a secured location. Such thefts may not be adequately covered by insurance. Based on a number of these and other potential issues the Company could spend a great deal of time and invest a large sum in a specific shipwreck project and receive very little or no salvage claim or revenue for its work. The Company does have plans for security at sea, however it may never implement such plans.
There is currently a limited trading market for our securities. We cannot assure when and if an active-trading market in our shares will be established, or whether any such market will be sustained or sufficiently liquid to enable holders of shares of our common stock to liquidate their investment in our company. The ability to deposit restricted shares has also become increasingly more difficult over the past several years. Some clearing firms who used to clear low priced securities for multiple brokerage firms have closed or been acquired, resulting in fewer brokerage firms that are willing or able to accept lower priced securities for deposit. Unless an investor has a large and well-established relationship with a brokerage firm, it may be very challenging and potentially expensive to deposit lower priced securities. An investor should consider consulting with professional financial advisers before making an investment in our securities. Furthermore, the sale of unregistered and restricted securities by current shareholders, including shares issued to consultants and shares issued to settle convertible promissory notes and to settle debt, may cause a significant drop in the market prices of the Company’s securities. Also, because the Company primarily finances the operations with the sale of securities, an increase to the authorized shares may need to be done from time to time.
Accordingly, an investment in Seafarer’s securities is highly speculative and extremely risky and should only be considered by those investors and lenders who do not require liquidity and who can afford to suffer a total loss of their investment. An investor should consult with professional advisers before making an investment in our securities.
Competition
There are a number of competing entities who are engaged in various aspects of the exploration and salvage of historic shipwrecks, and in the future other competitors may emerge. Some of these companies are publicly traded companies and there are a number of small private companies, as well as some loosely affiliated groups and individuals, who claim to be in this business as well. Some of these entities may be better capitalized and may have greater resources to devote to the pursuit of locating and salvaging historic shipwrecks. A few of these competing entities may also have significantly more experience than the Company in the exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks. The Company could be at a material competitive disadvantage as compared to competing entities that are better capitalized, have more resources and/or who possess greater experience in the business. The Company will, and has, actively considered working with other entities in this industry sector.
Lack of Revenues and Cash Flow/Significant Losses from Operations
The exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks requires a multi-year, multi-stage process and it may be many years before any revenue is generated from exploration and recovery activities, if ever. Without significant revenues and cash flow the Company does not have reliable cash flow to pay its expenses. The Company relies on outside financing in the form of equity and debt and it is possible that the Company may not be able to obtain outside financing in the future. If the Company is not able to obtain financing, then it would more than likely be forced to cease operations and all capital invested in the Company or borrowed by the Company will be lost. If the Company is unable to secure additional financing or meaningful revenues, our business may fail and our stock price may be adversely affected, which could result in a total loss of investment capital. The raising of additional financing will, as it has over the last several years, result in dilution of the Company’s current shareholders or a significant decrease in the value of the Company’s securities.
In addition, the expenses associated with operating a small publicly traded company engaged in the historic shipwreck recovery business are exorbitantly high. The cost of operations may include the cost of buying or leasing vessels, regular vessel maintenance and upkeep, ongoing vessel repairs due to wear and tear and damage by natural or human causes, docking fees, fuel, upgrades, equipment costs, personnel costs, insurance, registration costs, permitting, temporary lodging and provisions for divers and other personnel. In addition to the operating expenses, a publicly traded company also incurs the significant recurring costs of maintaining publicly traded status, which include, but are not limited to administrative, accounting, audit, executive, legal, including legal expenses required in responding to comments from permitting agencies, shutdowns, and administrative appeals.
The additional delays to the Company’s operational goals and objectives as a result of being prohibited by a state permitting agency from utilizing ground disturbing work for periods of time have been harmful as the Company must still cover overhead and fixed expenses while some activities are temporarily on hiatus. These combined expenses are particularly burdensome for a smaller public company. The recurring expenses associated with being a publicly traded company focused on the exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks may cause the Company to be at a significant competitive disadvantage when compared to some of its competitors who are private companies or other public companies.
Due to these and other factors, the Company may not be able to continue as a going concern. If the Company is not able to continue as a going concern, it is highly likely that all capital invested in the Company or borrowed by the Company will be lost. As discussed in Note 2 – Going Concern to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have experienced operating losses in every year since our inception resulting in an accumulated deficit. Based on our financial results as of December 31, 2023, there are substantial doubts about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If the Company is not able to continue as a going concern, it is likely that all capital invested in the Company or borrowed by the Company will be lost.
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The Company has experienced a net loss in every fiscal year since inception. The Company’s net losses were $3,180,646 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $2,616,601 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company believes that it will continue to generate losses from its operations for the foreseeable future and the Company may not be able to generate a profit in the long-term, or ever.
Governmental Regulation
There are very strict international, federal and state laws that govern the exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks. While the Company has been able to obtain some permits, there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to secure future permits or enter into agreements with government agencies in order to explore and salvage historic shipwrecks. Seafarer believes they are the only company to be issued a full recovery permit by FBAR since 1986, other than one entity with an Admiralty Claim. This demonstrates the difficulty of obtaining a recovery permit from FBAR. There is a risk that government entities may enact legislation that is so strict that any recovery of artifacts and cargo from historic shipwrecks will be nearly impossible. Additionally, permits and agreements with governmental agencies to conduct historic shipwreck exploration and recovery operations are expensive, in terms of both direct costs and ongoing compliance costs. It is also possible that the Company will not be successful in obtaining title or permission to excavate certain wrecks, even if the law allows it. It is possible that permits that are sought for potential future international projects may never be issued, and if issued, may not be legal or honored by the entities that issued them. For the above reasons, the Company has extended its research into shipwrecks outside of State waters.
The laws and regulations regarding the exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks in waters controlled by the State of Florida are complex. A large amount of time and expense is required to comply with the existing laws and regulations. For example, the State of Florida has, in the past, proposed new rules and regulations regarding the exploration and recovery of shipwrecks in Florida waters. The Company believes any new rules and regulations that are implemented into law would likely increase the cost of compliance and potentially force the Company to cease its operations in Florida. It is possible that the State of Florida may enact additional laws that ultimately make it impossible to conduct business as a commercial shipwreck exploration and recovery firm. It may also be possible that the State of Florida attempts to enact legislation which altogether bans the commercial exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks in State controlled waters.
There is a possibility that new governmental regulations could be enacted at any time at the international, federal or state level that would make it impossible for the Company to continue to attempt to locate and salvage historic shipwrecks. Governmental regulation at all levels may substantially increase the costs and expenses incurred by the Company to obtain permits and agreements and comply with the regulations and represent a significant risk to the Company and all companies engaged in the commercial exploration and recovery of historical shipwrecks. This again reflects the need of the Company to continue exploration outside of State waters.
Furthermore, governmental agencies may require various types of permits to explore shipwreck sites, and the permitting process is often lengthy and complex. Obtaining permits and entering into agreements with governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to conduct historic shipwreck exploration and recovery operations is generally a very complicated, time consuming, and expensive process. Moreover, the process of entering into agreements and/or obtaining permits may be subject to lengthy delays, and in some cases in excess of a year. Some governmental agencies may refuse to issue permits to the Company for recovery of artifacts or intentionally delay the permitting process utilizing administrative requirements as a tactic to hamper and delay the process.
The reasons for a lengthy permitting process and delays of existing permits may be due to a number of potential factors including but not limited to requests by permitting agencies for additional information, forcing the Company to perform tasks that are not required by law or regulation, addressing only one subject matter at a time instead of parallel actions and delaying the permitting process, submitted applications that need to be revised or updated, newly discovered information that needs to be added to an application or agreement, requests for core sampling, requests for carbon dating, changes to either the agreement or permit terms or revisions to other information contained in the permit, excessive administrative time lags at permitting agencies, overly aggressive interpretation of statutes by permitting authorities to attempt to hamper private entities engaged in the exploration and recovery of historic shipwrecks and related archaeological materials, etc. The length of time it takes to obtain permits or enter into agreements, and the administrative time lag by permitting agencies with regards to permitting issues may result in the Company having to expend significant resources while waiting to perform exploration and recovery work with little or no visibility as to the timing of resolving such permitting issues.
There are also strict environmental regulations associated with the exploration and recovery of historical shipwrecks. In order to explore and recover shipwreck materials that are located in state regulated waters, the Company must obtain permission from both federal and state environmental agencies in order to conduct operations. There is always the possibility that the Company could be denied access to a historic shipwreck site based on federal or state environmental concerns.
