Archaeologists work to salvage 2,500-year-old shipwreck off the Coast of Murcia
Archaeologists are diligently working to preserve the Mazarrón II, a Phoenician ship measuring 8.1 metres in length and dating back 2,500 years. Discovered off the coast of Mazarrón (Murcia) in 1995, the vessel was officially designated a Cultural Heritage Site in 2015.
As reported by El Debate, the protective mesh cover installed in 2001 to safeguard the underwater archaeological site has experienced significant wear and tear over the years. Consequently, experts are now planning to salvage the shipwreck, aiming to transform it into a museum exhibit.
A similar process was successfully carried out with another shipwreck found in the same area, named Mazarrón, discovered in 1988. Only the keel (3.98 metres), remnants of four frames attached to nine fragments of planking, and part of one of the hulls have been preserved.
After undergoing restoration in 1993, these artefacts are currently on display at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena (ARQVA).
The Mazarrón II, with its remarkable historical significance, promises to provide valuable insights into Phoenician maritime culture. Archaeologists hope that by salvaging and carefully preserving this ancient vessel, it can be showcased in a museum setting, allowing the public to appreciate and learn from this fascinating piece of maritime history.
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