Two unusual wrecks found in southern Italy! - video

The Italian media are reporting the discovery of two unusual shipwrecks in the waters of the Campania region. The first is an ancient ship dating back to Roman times, while the second is a plane which is a remnant of a much less distant, but turbulent period of World War II. Both vessels were found during work carried out under the programme “The garden of the sirens” (The garden of the sirens programme of the RAS Foundation – Restoring Ancient Stabiae.

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The discovered wrecks are a German Junkers aircraft from the Second World War and an unidentified floating trading vessel from Roman times, full of intact amphorae, some of which are still sealed and contain the goods transported in them! According to divers’ reports, both wrecks are in very good condition. Italian divers from RAID Italia came across such a wonderful find in the waters of the Gulf of Naples between the towns of Capri and Sorrento.

A group of experts carrying out exploration and research as part of the “Garden of Mermaids” programme, aimed at protecting the cultural heritage of the region, have collected sensational photo and video material documenting the discovered wrecks.

Divers’ reports indicate that the wreckage of the aircraft has 3 engines (in the case of the Junkers this may indicate a JU-52), the cockpit and pilot’s seat are well preserved.

The dives were conducted at quite considerable depths, reaching levels of 80-105 metres. RAID Italia divers worked in teams using both closed and open circuits. A special ReSEX programme was officially launched for the occasion and dedicated to the specialised didactic training of technical and recreational divers taking part in research and conservation projects related to submerged cultural and natural heritage.

The ‘Garden of Mermaids’ programme is the first of its kind in the area and involves the systematic exploration of areas in the region that lie at depths of 50-200 metres. Among the partners carrying out the programme together is Dr Timmy Gambin from the University of Malta, whom participants in the last edition of the Lodz Wreck Festival will certainly know well.

The group that made this remarkable discovery and documented it included Gianmichele Iaria, Fabio Maurotto, Maria Grazia Megna, Massimo Migner, Stefano Stolfa and Paul Vincent Toomer.

Source: ilmattino.it, ilroma.net
Photo: facebook.com/diveraiditalia