A Greek shipwreck dating between the 6th and 5th century BCE was discovered almost entirely off the coast of Santa Maria del Focallo, in the Ispica area of southern Sicily, at a depth of just six meters. The discovery occurred during the sixth underwater archaeological mission of the Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage of the University of Udine, in collaboration with the Superintendency of Marine Cultural Heritage of the Region of Sicily, as part of the Kaukana Project, according to Proto Thema.
According to Proto Thema, the excavation recovered the mast of the vessel, along with rare parts of the ship, including black-figure ceramics, a small ointment jar inscribed with the Greek word "Nau" (meaning "ship"), and a section of the vessel's rope in good condition. Key parts of the ship's construction were identified, such as the paramezzale, which is the central part of the hull.
For five weeks, from May to June, the researchers recorded the findings with on-site measurements and photogrammetry, allowing the documentation of the remains through direct surveys and photogrammetric imaging. The researchers created a three-dimensional model that will allow the documentation of the shipwreck with greater accuracy, serving as a valuable tool for the study of ancient Greek shipbuilding.
"The extension of the trench allowed the identification of the paramezzale and one of the wheels, which is the curved connecting element," explained Massimo Capulli, a professor at the University of Udine and coordinator of the project. "By proceeding with caution, we were able to document new and important parts of the ship, including its mast, which is very rarely preserved," he added, according to Proto Thema.
Classified as a shell wreck, the ship was partially buried under sand and rocks. Underwater archaeologists worked to gradually raise the wreck of the ancient Greek ship found at a depth of six meters. In the last mission, using a hydro-suction device, the archaeologists managed to raise the wreck by two more meters.
The archaeologists expanded the excavation trench until the sedimentary deposit was completely exhausted. The underwater archaeologists already collected the objects that were scattered around the approximately 2,500-year-old hull. Additional findings include black-figure pottery, enriching knowledge about the commercial and maritime routes of the Archaic period.
The Kaukana Project was initiated by the late Sebastiano Tusa, an archaeologist and cultural advisor in Sicily, and his collaborator Capulli. The goal of the Kaukana Project is to reconstruct the evolution of the coastal and submerged landscape in the province of Ragusa. The research is part of a scientific program that started in 2017.
At the same time, research was conducted at nearby points of interest indicated by local fishermen. The diver Antonino Giunta, who has participated in the discovery of shipwrecks before, assisted in identifying these sites.
The documentary film Shipwreck of Sicily, co-produced by Martin Scorsese and Sunk Costs Productions, was filmed during the excavation phase of the Greek shipwreck. The documentary will also include other shipwrecks explored by the Sea Superintendency, such as the Marausa II Shipwreck, the Columns of Taormina, the Gela II Shipwreck, and the underwater findings of Ustica.
Written with the help of a news-analysis system.