Latest news with #StateOfficeForMonumentPreservation
Fox News
3 days ago
- Science
- Fox News
German researchers discover dozens of shipwrecks including possible WWII steamer lost in air raid
German researchers recently announced the discovery of 31 shipwrecks, including a possible steamship that was destroyed in a World War II air raid. The shipwrecks were found in Germany's Lake Constance as part of the "Wrecks and Deep Sea" project. Since the project's launch in 2022, divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have pinpointed more than 250 potential underwater anomalies, according to a Tuesday news release from the State Office for Monument Preservation. Out of the 186 anomalies investigated so far, 31 have been confirmed as shipwrecks — ranging from historic objects to modern sport boats. The other 155 anomalies wound up being natural formations like plant growth or artificial items like fishing gear, as noted in the release. Among the discoveries were two large metal ship hulls. Due to their location and size, researchers believe they could be the hulls of paddle steamers SD Friedrichshafen II and SD Baden, the news release noted. The SD Friedrichshafen II was destroyed during an air raid in World War II, while the SD Baden was taken out of service in 1930 and ultimately sunk, according to news outlet Arkeonews. "Wrecks are far more than just lost vehicles — they are true time capsules that preserve stories and craftsmanship from long ago" Alexandra Ulisch, a project research associate, said in a statement. Researchers also found a nearly completely preserved cargo sailing ship, which had its mast and yard still intact. The ship's resting place deep underwater helped preserve key features, like bow clamps and belaying pins, by limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels, as noted in the release. At another site with widely scattered debris, researchers found at least 17 wooden barrels, according to the release. The project will continue through summer 2027. Earlier this year, a vintage car was discovered during a similar underwater excavation of the USS Yorktown in the Pacific Ocean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
CBS News
3 days ago
- Science
- CBS News
31 shipwrecks found in Germany, including one believed to be steamer destroyed in WWII air raid
More than 30 shipwrecks have been discovered hidden in a lake in Germany, officials announced this week, including one vessel believed to be a steamer that was destroyed by an air raid in World War II. The ships were uncovered on the floor of Lake Constance during a project launched in 2022 called "Wrecks and Deep Sea," according to the State Office for Monument Preservation. The office said scientists have dispatched divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to discover a wide array of vessels — from century-old paddle steamers to a fully intact cargo sailing ship. Scientists had identified more than 250 potential anomalies in Lake Constance, which is up to 800 feet deep. Of these, 31 locations were determined to be wrecks, "including both objects of cultural and historical significance as well as modern recreational boats and watercraft of recent times," the State Office for Monument Preservation said in a news release. Among the notable discoveries were two large metal ship hulls, which were discovered and surveyed using ROVs. Based on their size, characteristics and location, researchers believe these wrecks are the hulls of two paddle steamers — SD Baden and the SD Friedrichshafen II. According to the archeology site Arkeonews, the Friedrichshafen II was destroyed by an air raid during World War II, while the Baden was decommissioned in 1930 and eventually sunk. Both ships could carry up to 600 passengers. Images show the handwheel of the Friedrichshafen as well as the hulls and bows of both ships lying on the lake floor shrouded by marine life. Researchers also announced another "special discovery" — a nearly fully intact cargo sailing ship with its mast and yardarm preserved. The team did not estimate how old the vessel is but noted that its excellent condition is a "rarity in underwater archaeology" considering its depth and age. Experts noted that because the growth of invasive quagga mussels has been sparse, scientists were able to clearly view the ship's intricate details, including clamps in the bow, mooring pins and a gear ring with a ratchet. "The find offers unique insights into the sailing technology and shipbuilding of historic Lake Constance ships and represents an important reference object for research," said Alexandra Ulisch, a scientific associate on the project. The project marked the first detailed investigation of the Lake Constance bed to identify underwater monuments, officials said. To complete the mission, scientists first analyzed data from bathymetry, which is the topographical surveying of water, using multibeam echo sounders. After that, researchers used side-scan sonar to examine anomalies that were detected underwater. After the sonar inspection, divers and ROVs examined potential locations of interest, which resulted in the discovery of the 31 shipwrecks. The team conducted detailed analyses of objects deemed "cultural monuments" but researchers said there was no plan to salvage individual objects, a process that is costly. The focus, researchers said, is on preserving the documentary value. "Wrecks are much more than just lost vehicles — they are real time capsules that preserve the stories and craftsmanship of days long past," Ulisch said. Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in German) borders Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Fed by the Rhine River, it's the largest lake in Germany and is a popular tourist destination.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers Discover More Than 30 Shipwrecks in Lake Constance!
What lies hidden in the dark depths of Lake Constance has so far been largely speculative. Now, modern research technologies are shedding light on the unknown. Using sonar, diving robots, and expert knowledge, the State Office for Monument Preservation is systematically examining the lakebed—and has already identified over two dozen previously unknown wrecks. Some of these not only provide clues about the shipping traffic of past centuries but also open new windows into the lives of earlier societies. Since 2022, the project 'Wrecks and Deep Sea,' overseen by the State Office for Monument Preservation (LAD) in the Stuttgart Regional Council and financially supported by the Ministry of State Development and Housing Baden-Württemberg, has been underway. According to a press release on its website, this is a unique archaeological endeavor of its kind in an inland body of water. 'The project is a unique undertaking in the field of underwater archaeology in inland waters,' said Prof. Dr. Dirk Krausse, state archaeologist at the LAD. The goal is to examine the entire lakebed of Lake Constance for previously unrecognized shipwrecks. This will allow for comprehensive recording, documentation, and monument assessment of wrecks at all depths of the lake. Over 250 Anomalies, 31 Confirmed Wrecks in Lake Constance By the end of 2024, more than 250 suspicious structures—known as anomalies—could be located in Lake Constance, which is up to 251 meters deep. According to the report, 186 of these sites have already been systematically investigated. In 155 cases, they were natural formations such as sediment deposits or vegetation. Man-made objects like fish traps were also among them. 'In 31 cases, they were indeed wrecks—including both culturally significant objects and modern sports boats and watercraft from recent times,' the LAD writes. Individual Spectacular Sites with Surprises A particularly striking discovery was a widely scattered debris field with at least 17 wooden barrels. 'The barrels are partially well-preserved, with some showing lids, bottoms, and potentially barrel marks. Clues to the associated transport ship are still missing, and further investigations are planned,' reports Alexandra Ulisch, a scientific associate on the project. Additionally, two larger metal ship hulls were located and documented by diving robots. According to Ulisch, based on their dimensions and location, they could be the wrecks of the paddle steamers 'SD Baden' (formerly 'Kaiser Wilhelm') and 'SD Friedrichshafen II.' However, a final identification is still pending. Another highlight was the discovery of an almost completely preserved cargo sailing ship at great depth. The mast and yard are still present—a true rarity. 'The find offers unique insights into the sailing technology and shipbuilding of historical Lake Constance ships and represents a significant reference object for research,' said Ulisch. Time Capsules of Past Societies The wrecks in Lake Constance not only provide insights into shipbuilding and transport techniques. Through scientific analyses, information about the origin and quality of the transported goods can also be obtained. These finds contribute to the reconstruction of the economic and social contexts of the respective time. 'Through well-founded, thorough archaeological research, we gain insights into the living conditions of past societies and can make statements about many different aspects of the world at that time,' explains Dr. Julia Goldhammer, the project leader. For Alexandra Ulisch, each wreck is a piece of living history. 'Wrecks are far more than just lost vehicles—they are true time capsules that preserve stories and craftsmanship from long ago. Whether Titanic, HMS Terror, Säntis, or Lady Jay: All examples impressively show that wrecks fascinate people.' By the summer of 2027, all investigations are expected to be completed. Further results are anticipated then—and could further refine the image of Lake Constance as an archaeological treasure. The post Researchers Discover More Than 30 Shipwrecks in Lake Constance! appeared first on TRAVELBOOK.
