French researchers have surveyed the deepest known shipwreck in French territorial waters – a 16th-century merchant vessel lying at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of over 2.4 kilometers. This was reported by Smithsonian Magazine, according to UNN.
Details
The vessel, named “Camatat 4,” was accidentally discovered by the French Navy in 2025 during a deep-sea research operation off the coast of Ramatuelle in southeastern France.
At the wreck site, researchers found six cannons, two cauldrons, an anchor, and hundreds of ceramic items – plates, jugs, and other tableware scattered across the seabed.
Photo: AFP
Some of the ceramics are decorated with ornaments and the letters “IHS” – the first three letters of the name of Jesus Christ in Greek.
A robot captured nearly 67,000 images of the wreckage
To explore the site, archaeologists used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capable of working at such great depths. During the expedition, it took 66,974 images, which were used to create a 3D model of the shipwreck.
One must be extremely precise so as not to damage the site or blow away the sediment
– French Navy officer Sébastien, who led the mission, told reporters.
During the excavations, researchers managed to recover three jugs and one plate from the bottom. One of the jugs is decorated with dark blue lines and yellow geometric patterns.
Photo: AFP
This is one of the deepest objects ever recovered from a shipwreck in France
– noted the expedition’s lead archaeologist, Marine Sadania.
Researchers believe the ceramics were manufactured in Liguria, northwest Italy, and the ship itself was likely heading west.
Photo: AFP
At the same time, cameras recorded modern trash at the crash site – plastic bottles, fishing nets, tin cans, and yogurt containers.
After the awe of discovery comes the sadness of finding such things
– stated DRASSM director Arnaud Schaumasse.