2 days ago
The 16th-century shipwreck discovered in previously unmapped area
A 16th-century merchant vessel's remains have been discovered off the coast of southern France, the deepest shipwreck ever found in that part of the Mediterranean.
The shipwreck, dubbed Camarat 4, was found at a depth of over 2.5km during a French navy seabed exploration mission off Ramatuelle in a previously unmapped area in March.
Submersible drones captured detailed images and videos of the wreck, revealing about 200 earthenware pitchers trapped under sediment, some with the monogram 'IHS' and geometric decorations.
Researchers suspect the ceramics were made in the Liguria region of northern Italy in the 16th century, and the wreck also contains around 100 plates, cannon anchors, and two cauldrons.
Scientists plan further studies to create a 3D digital version of the ship and extract samples to enhance understanding of 16th-century Mediterranean navigation, with the wreckage well-preserved due to the depth.
