The vessel—believed to have sunk during a storm in the 15th or 16th century when the site was still underwater—has been named Ciutadella I, after the nearby park. A 10-metre-long and three-metre-wide section of the stern was revealed, featuring more than 30 curved ribs and a hull fastened with both wooden and iron nails. The construction is consistent with Mediterranean and European shipbuilding techniques from the mid-15th century onwards.
The ship, called Ses Fontanelles, sank off the coast of Mallorca, Spain, and was discovered in 2019. It had travelled from Cartagena in southeastern Spain and was carrying various goods stored in amphorae when it sank.
Among the cargo, archaeologists found a new type of amphora, larger and heavier than the others, which was used for transporting plant oil. This type was named Ses Fontanelles I, after the ship. The amphorae were found in the ship's centre and stern, while smaller containers were located near the bow and sides.
The submerged relic, a testament to the advanced seafaring capabilities of the ancient Phoenicians, lies off the coast of Mazarrón in the Mediterranean Sea.
Discovered more than three decades ago, this Phoenician ship is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient seafaring vessels. The remarkable condition of the shipwreck promises invaluable insights into Phoenician shipbuilding, navigation and trade practices that were a cornerstone of their civilization.
For over a year, I had been looking forward to a very special expedition that was planned for May 2014. But as you know, life does not always go the way you plan. The expedition was postponed, and once again, I had to find an alternative, at relatively short notice.
Gran Canaria is one of the most visited destinations in Europe, but far too many leave their dive gear at home! You should definitely bring it, because the island offers great diving with huge schools of fish, angelsharks, stingrays and great volcanic seascapes.
The battleship España has a very important place in the history of the Basque Country of northern Spain and is now a protected monument at the bottom of the sea.
When people from the United States go on a European vacation, diving is usually not on the agenda. But the Costa Brava area on the northeastern coast of Spain offers some interesting diving. It might not be as colorful as the Red Sea or Indonesia, but add on the cultural experience, and it is worth a visit.
A small, warm, sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean island with enough tourist visitors to make access easy and facilities plentiful, diving not mainstream but both good and also dependable—this is Lanzarote.
