World's oldest preserved wreck discovered in the Black Sea

Researchers working for the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project have carried out a huge expedition in the Black Sea region. As a result, they found the oldest surviving wreck in the world.

During the research expedition that resulted in finding nearly 70 wrecks resting in the waters of the Black Sea, the remains of an unusual vessel were located. It is the oldest surviving wreck of an ancient ship that we currently know of. The experts determined the age of the vessel to be more than 2400 years.

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Measuring about 23 metres long, the wreck has been magnificently preserved! Its discovery was made by scientists from the UK, who were leading a huge search expedition in the waters of the Black Sea. The pearl in the crown of their search was located about 50 Mm off the coast of Bulgaria and, of course, its exact location is kept a closely guarded secret.

The excellent state of preservation wreck is due to the depth at which it is found and the specific conditions that prevail there. This unique time capsule is located at a depth of almost 2 km, unreachable for ordinary divers. In the depths of the Black Sea it was enveloped by a mixture of low temperature, lack of sunlight and lack of oxygen. It is the combination of these factors that ensures the wreck’s longevity.

This is an amazing discovery. Probably the only one of its kind. First of all, we have a complete vessel with still standing masts and quarter rudders preserved in place,” Dr Kroum Batchvarov said before the SKY News cameras

Following initial examination using a ROV, it is believed that the ship was a commercial vessel, similar to that depicted on the legendary ancient Greek pottery ‘Odysseus and the Sirens’ and displayed today in the British Museum.

Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project

All discoveries made in the waters of the Black Sea, as part of a 3-year research expedition organised by Southampton University. Spectacular results were possible because the project had a huge budget of 19 million USD. Due to the great possibilities, nearly 70 different wrecks were located during the search. The scientific team will present the results of their work summarising the expedition during a conference organised at the British Museum this Wednesday, 24 October.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the above-mentioned find is the oldest surviving wreck in the world. If we also take into account the wrecks, which have been preserved in fragments, the Dokos wreck is the undisputed ‘oldest’. Discovered on a site located in 1975 and explored in 1989-1992, researchers determined its age at 2700-2200 BC.