A 16th-century merchant vessel has been discovered at a record depth of 2,567 meters off the coast of Ramatuelle, in the French Mediterranean. This extraordinary archaeological find is now the deepest shipwreck ever located in French waters, surpassing the previous record held by the submarine La Minerve, found at 2,300 meters off Toulon.
The sunken vessel, approximately 30 meters long and 7 meters wide, likely originated from northern Italypossibly Liguria according to initial analyses. Archaeologists from the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research revealed images of the site showing a well-preserved cargo scattered across the seabed. Among the items recovered were dozens of yellow-stacked plates and around 200 ceramic jugs in grey, blue, and white, adorned with geometric and botanical motifs. Six iron cannons were also identified among the remains.
Discovered by Chance During a Naval Exercise
The discovery, announced on June 11 during the Ocean Summit in Nice, actually dates back to March 4, 2025. It was made entirely by chance by the French Navy, which was conducting a technical sonar survey of the seafloor when it detected an unidentified mass over 2,500 meters deep. Further investigation using underwater cameras and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) confirmed the presence of the ancient wreck and captured the first images of the vessel lying on the ocean floor.
The ship has been named Camarat 4, referencing a nearby geographical landmark. Remarkably, despite the centuries passed, the cargo remains in relatively good condition thanks in large part to the extreme depth, which has protected the site from looting. However, modern pollution has still left its mark, with soda cans and yogurt pots visible in the vicinity of the wreck.
Next Steps: 3D Mapping and Further Analysis
Archaeological experts are now working to uncover the origins of Camarat 4 and the reasons behind its sinking. Plans are underway to create a 3D digital twin of the wreck and to carry out sample recovery operations starting in 2026. The find offers a rare glimpse into maritime trade during the 16th century and adds to France’s underwater heritage.
This remarkable discovery not only highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration but also serves as a reminder of the historical treasures still hidden in the world’s oceans waiting rediscovery.
