A Greek shipwreck dating back to
between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, lying at a depth of six
meters, has been almost completely uncovered off the coast of
Santa Maria del Focallo in the Ispica area of Sicily.
The discovery, explains the University of Udine, is the result
of the sixth underwater archaeological campaign conducted by the
Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage of the Friulian
university and the Superintendence of the Sea of the Sicilian
Region, as part of the Kaukana Project research project.
In addition to the ship’s structure, the excavation uncovered
the vessel’s mast, black-figure pottery, a small ointment jar
inscribed with the Greek word “Nau” (ship), and a section of the
vessel’s rope in excellent condition.
The operations, carried out between May and June, allowed the
remains to be documented with direct surveys and photogrammetric
imaging, producing a three-dimensional model of the wreck.
“By proceeding with caution,” explained Massimo Capulli,
professor at the University of Udine and project coordinator,
“we were able to document new and important parts of the ship,
including its mast, which is very rarely preserved.”
The wreck, classified as a “shell” wreck, was partially buried
under sand and rocks.
Using a water-powered digger, the excavation trench was
extended, allowing the identification of the keelson and one of
the wheels, the curved connecting element.
Also participating in the mission were Fabrizio Sgroi of the
Superintendency of the Sea, Dario Innocenti and Lucrezia Maghet
representing the University of Friuli, and the professionals
from Sunk Costs Productions, who were involved in the production
of the documentary film Shipwreck of Sicily, co-produced by
Martin Scorsese and also filmed during the excavation phase.
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