An underwater archaeology breakthrough has occurred off the coast of southern France following an unexpected discovery by a military-controlled unmanned drone. For the first time, researchers have located and documented a 16th-century merchant vessel at a depth of 8,422 feet (approximately 1.6 miles), marking the deepest shipwreck ever found within French territorial waters.
The discovery emerged in early March amid a naval operation aimed at monitoring seabed resources—ranging from underwater cables to geological surveying—near Saint-Tropez. Though the drone’s mission was not archaeological in purpose, sonar readings revealed a discreet wreck, prompting an extended investigation using submersible imaging equipment .
Franck Goddio, a noted underwater archaeologist, referred to the find as a “remarkable discovery” given its depth and state of preservation. The remote location’s 8,422-foot depth has shielded the wreck from looting or deterioration, resulting in what experts describe as a site that appears “as if time froze” .
Dubbed “Camarat 4” by researchers, the wreck is believed to be a merchant ship originating from northern Italy. The hull contains a wealth of cargo, including around 200 intact ceramic jugs featuring pinched spouts with inscriptions like “HIS”—denoted as the first three letters of Jesus’s Greek name—and distinctive plant and geometric patterns associated with 16th-century Ligurian production . Additionally, archaeologists discovered nearly 100 yellow plates, two cauldrons, a ship anchor, and six cannons, indicating cargo and provisions that speak to the ship’s active trading purpose .
Despite the remarkable preservation, a few traces of modern debris, including a soda can and yogurt container, were noted among the ruins. These anomalies highlight the unintended but intrusive reach of modern litter even into the most remote depths .
Thierry de la Burgade, the deputy maritime prefect, commented on the discovery process: “The sonar detected something quite big. We revisited the site with the drone’s camera, then dispatched a submersible to obtain high-quality images,” illustrating the careful methodology employed .
The ship’s identification as a Ligurian merchantman is based on cargo design and material analysis. Archaeologists speculate that it was transporting ceramics and metal bars from northern Italy when it sank. Despite its treacherous resting place, the wreck remains nearly intact—undisturbed by salvage operations due to its extreme depth .
Over the next two years, the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (DRASSM), under France’s culture ministry, plans to produce a comprehensive three-dimensional digital reconstruction of the vessel. Selective recovery of artefacts—using robotic arms tethered to surface support vessels—will also take place for scientific conservation and study .
Previously, the deepest known wreck in French waters was the submarine La Minerve, located at around 7,600 feet near Toulon in 2019. The “Camarat 4” site surpasses this depth by nearly half a mile, setting a new benchmark for underwater heritage in the region .
Historically, Mediterranean wrecks have provided rich archaeological insights, yet most are found at shallower depths. This discovery, owing purely to military survey operations, broadens the frontier for deep-sea archaeology and suggests that additional uncharted historical sites may lie hidden in unexplored marine zones.
The find also underscores the potential of dual-use technology: instruments designed for security and resource management may yield unanticipated cultural discoveries. According to subaquatic archaeologist Marine Sadania, the wreck’s depth not only preserved artefacts but also provided a startling sense of temporal suspension—a moment where history remains undisturbed beneath a blanket of sea .
As investigators prepare digital models and select artifact recoveries, specialists from fields such as ceramic conservation, maritime archaeology, and naval architecture will be involved to analyze the wreck. These findings will be shared with the public, providing valuable insight into Mediterranean trade routes, maritime craftsmanship, and 16th-century commerce.
This discovery marks a new chapter in underwater exploration—revealing how deep-sea drone surveillance can uncover centuries-old stories from the ocean’s remote depths.
Source: CBS News
