A remarkably preserved 16th-century merchant vessel has been discovered lying at a record-breaking depth of 2,567 metres beneath the Mediterranean surface.
The shattered wreck of an Italian merchant vessel was accidentally discovered in March in the deep waters of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez by the French Navy,
The wreck, named Camarat 4, was located in March 2025 during a French Navy seabed exploration mission that employed an autonomous drone. Sonar detected a large object, and a remotely operated vehicle later captured high-resolution images of the site, revealing an extraordinary level of preservation. The vessel’s position and the clarity of the artefacts led researchers to describe the site as appearing “as if time froze.”
Rare cargo from Renaissance trade
The vessel, measuring about 30m long and 7m wide, appears to have been transporting a significant cargo of Italian ceramics—up to 200 jugs, 100 plates, plus six cannons, anchors, cauldrons and iron bars. Many jugs bear the Christogram IHS and plant or geometric motifs, suggesting origins in Liguria, Italy.
Initial analysis suggests the ship dates to the 16th century, likely from the early decades of the Renaissance when France was expanding its naval and trade power. The wreck’s cargo included bronze cannon, indicating a Mediterranean trading route and a possible military function.
At over 2,500m, the wreck has remained largely untouched—free from looting and decay—preserving rigging elements, cargo and structural features. Ironically, modern debris, such as soda cans and yoghurt pots, was also found among the centuries-old artefacts.
Next steps
The discovery has been hailed as one of the most significant in French underwater archaeology in recent years. The DRASSM team now plans a more detailed investigation, including material recovery and dating studies, which could provide further insight into France’s maritime networks in the 1500s. Plans are underway to produce a 3D photogrammetric model, recover selected artefacts via an ROV and conduct multidisciplinary analysis by ceramologists, naval architects and marine scientists.
