An international team of archaeologists has discovered three shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea, near the notoriously dangerous Keith Reef. This area, located between Sicily and Tunisia, is part of the Skerki Bank, a shallow maritime route that has seen heavy traffic for millennia. The team, coordinated by UNESCO, included researchers from eight nations bordering the Mediterranean: Algeria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia. Their findings were presented at a press conference at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
The discoveries include one shipwreck dating back to between 100 BCE and 200 CE and two more recent wrecks from around the turn of the 20th century. This highlights the long history of maritime activity in this area and the ongoing risks posed by the treacherous Keith Reef.
Using cutting-edge technology like multibeam sonar and Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs), the team mapped the seabed and located the wrecks. The investigations focused on the continental shelves off Tunisia and Sicily as part of separate projects led by each respective nation. The multibeam sonar played a crucial role in creating a photogrammetric map of the Skerki Bank, revealing anomalies that proved to be the long-lost shipwrecks.
Remains of a wreck on the Skerki Bank off Tunisia.Remains of a 20th century wreck discovered on the Skerki Bank off the coast of Tunisia. Image: DRASSM UNESCO
The shallow waters of Keith Reef, which in some places nearly reach the surface, have made navigation challenging for ships throughout history. This is a key factor contributing to the numerous shipwrecks in the area, which has also unfortunately attracted looters. Despite this challenge, the recent discoveries demonstrate that valuable archaeological treasures can still be found. As UNESCO archaeologist Alison Faynot told The National, the discovery brought a sense of relief, proving that there is still much to learn and protect in this heavily looted area.
The Sicilian portion of the investigation followed previous research by marine archaeologists Robert Ballard and Anna McCann, who located eight wrecks on the Italian continental shelf between 1998 and 2000. This highlights the continued importance of exploring this region for underwater archaeological discoveries.
A scan showing an unidentified shipwreck found during the expedition.Sonar image revealing the outline of a shipwreck discovered during the Skerki Bank expedition. Image: DRASSM UNESCO
The research team, comprised of 28 scientists aboard the research vessel Alfred Merlin, identified a 242-foot (74-meter) motorized wreck and a 50-foot (15-meter) wooden wreck, both believed to be from the late 19th or early 20th century. They also discovered a 50-foot merchant vessel from antiquity, likely dating back to the Roman era. In addition to these three key discoveries near Keith Reef, the team also examined three Roman wrecks off the Italian coast, two of which are believed to be 1st-century merchant vessels carrying amphorae, stone, ceramics, and other common goods. The third is thought to be a 1st-century BCE cargo ship with similar cargo.
Photo: DRASSM UNESCOThe Alfred Merlin research vessel utilized in the UNESCO Mediterranean shipwreck expedition. Photo: DRASSM UNESCO
This recent project underscores the ongoing advancements in marine archaeology, particularly the use of advanced imaging technologies. Recent examples of such technology include the creation of a highly detailed 3D model of the Titanic from 700,000 images, and the discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance deep beneath the Weddell Sea. The UNESCO team utilized the ROV Arthur, capable of diving to depths exceeding 8,200 feet (2,500 meters), demonstrating the increasing capabilities of underwater exploration.
This initial survey mission in the Skerki Bank zone, though focused on mapping and documentation rather than artifact retrieval, has provided crucial data about the region’s rich cultural heritage. The discoveries further emphasize the importance of protecting these underwater archaeological sites for future study and understanding. This builds upon other significant finds, such as the world’s oldest intact shipwreck discovered in the Black Sea.
