Amphora. One of many items that were found undamaged

Amphora. One of many items that were found undamaged

20/01/10 0:00
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C.M.W.
Maó
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of three ships from different periods on the seabed at Cala en Busquets. The Roman, mediaeval and modern vessels were all made from wood and are well preserved together with some of the cargo that they were carrying. During the initial exploration alone, 50 complete items were found together 200 pieces of plates, various ceramic items and amphorae.

The finds were the result of an archaeological study ordered before the seabed was to be dredged and was carried out between April and June in three areas of the harbour. The three new shipwrecks were found in the bay of Cala en Busquets and are in addition to that discovered during excavations in 2006 prior to the construction of the breakwater.

The vice president of the Port Authorities, Manuel Antonio Patiño, has affirmed the Balearic Government's interest in studying and conserving the shipwrecks and is to reconsider the dredging of the whole of the harbour due to the weath of archaeological remains to be found in the area. Patiño explained that the existence of the shipwrecks would not interfere with the work planned in Cala en Busquets which is to start next year.

The authorities will now have to collaborate to continue the investigation of the wrecks, consider an archaeological excavation of the vessels and find a place which could then house the boats and other finds.