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Officials recently announced the discovery of the deepest-ever shipwreck in French waters, containing remarkably well-preserved cargo dating back 500 years.
The results of the study were made known by the French Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (DRASSM), which published the information on its Facebook page on June 11.
The vessel was discovered by a French navy unit during a military operation on March 4, officials said.
The wreck, named Camarat 4, was found off the coast of Ramatuelle in southeastern France, more than a mile and a half below the surface.
“The wreckage was unexpectedly discovered during a research expedition carried out in accordance with the ministry's strategy for the study of the seabed,” DRASSM said in a statement translated from French into English.
French authorities recently announced the discovery of Camarat 4, the deepest wreck in French waters. (DRASSM)
“The newly discovered wreck is 30 metres long and 7 metres wide, indicating the presence of a large navigation device.”
Officials believe the ship dates back to the 16th century based on its cargo, which has been remarkably preserved over the past five centuries.
Underwater images show a wealth of handcrafted ceramics near the sunken ship. Historians believe these intricately crafted artifacts originated in Liguria, Italy.
“The quality of the images obtained allows a detailed study of this commodity: about 200 visible polychrome faience [glazed ceramic] jugs, and an even larger number apparently covered by sediment,” DRASSM said.
The jugs also prominently feature the IHS Christogram, symbolising Jesus Christ, reflecting the significant influence of Christianity in early modern Europe.
“These spherical jugs with pointed spouts and ribbon handles, typical of 16th-century Ligurian production, are decorated with the monogram of Christ ‘IHS’ [and] a variety of plant and geometric patterns,” DRASSM added. “Several motifs have been identified.”
The shipwreck found off the coast of Ramatuelle lies more than a mile and a half below the ocean surface. (DRASSM)
“The cargo also includes about 100 plates, probably also of Ligurian origin. Other items resemble on-board equipment: anchors, cannons and two boilers,” the government agency continued.
“Numerous remains are hidden under the sand and require further study.”
The statement noted that no other marine cultural property had been found at such a depth in French waters, highlighting the uniqueness of this find.
“The wreckage remained intact during the salvage operations and at this depth was protected from damage, including looting,” DRASSM added.
The 16th-century vessel boasts a remarkably preserved cargo, including earthenware jugs from Liguria, Italy, highlighting the region's ceramic prowess. (DRASSM)
“This represents a unique research opportunity… [It] is a remarkable discovery due to its depth, its unprecedented nature and the opportunity to study an almost intact 16th-century ensemble.”
Several shipwrecks dating back centuries have been discovered in European waters this year.
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