Robot Explores France's Deepest Shipwreck

A remotely operated underwater robot is exploring France's deepest shipwreck. The robot is retrieving artifacts from a 16th-century merchant ship. The vessel lies more than 2,500 meters (1.5 miles) below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.

The French navy and the culture ministry's underwater archaeology department are conducting the mission. The shipwreck was discovered last year during a routine seabed survey. It is located off the coast of Ramatuelle, near Saint-Tropez. Archaeologists believe the ship was transporting ceramics and metal bars from northern Italy when it sank.

The robot, equipped with cameras and pincers, is guided by a navy officer. It captures images and retrieves objects from the site. The device is designed to operate at depths of up to 4,000 meters. Experts monitor its progress from a tugboat above.

During the mission, the robot filmed a cannon, hundreds of pitchers, and plates. These items are decorated with floral motifs, crosses, and fish. The robot took over 86,000 images. These images will be used to create a three-dimensional model of the site.

Archaeologists have identified the pottery as glazed ware from Liguria, an Italian region. Marine Sadania, the lead archaeologist, stated that the findings will provide valuable information. They will help understand sixteenth-century trade routes. The mission has successfully retrieved several jugs and plates. These are among the deepest objects ever recovered from a French shipwreck.