A remarkable archaeological find has been made off the coast of Saint-Tropez, France, where the French Navy has identified a 16th-century merchant vessel, provisionally named "Camarat 4." The shipwreck rests at an unprecedented depth of 2,567 meters (approximately 8,422 feet) in the Mediterranean Sea. This discovery sets a new record for the deepest shipwreck ever found within French territorial waters, surpassing the previous record held by the French submarine La Minerve.
The "Camarat 4" was accidentally discovered in 2025 by the French Navy's CEPHISMER team, a specialized unit for underwater operations, during a routine seabed exploration mission. Advanced technology, including underwater drones and remotely operated vehicles equipped with 4K cameras and 3D mapping capabilities, was instrumental in documenting the remarkably intact wreckage. Initial assessments suggest the vessel, measuring approximately 30 meters (100 feet) in length, originated from the Liguria region of northern Italy.
The ship's cargo offers a vivid snapshot of Renaissance-era commerce, featuring around 200 ceramic jars adorned with intricate floral and geometric patterns, as well as plates and possibly iron ingots, which could have been used for tools or weapons. Some of the ceramic jars bear the monogram "IHS," an abbreviation for Jesus' name in Greek, often found on Italian religious and commercial items of the period.
The extreme conditions at such depths—near-freezing temperatures, complete absence of light, and minimal water currents—have created a natural preservation environment, keeping the ship virtually intact for over 400 years. This exceptional state of preservation provides a unique opportunity to study Renaissance maritime trade and the intricate trade routes of the era, which were vital for the exchange of goods like spices, dyes, and silks across Europe.
The discovery was also accompanied by plastic debris around the shipwreck site, including bottles, gloves, plastic crates, and packaging. The presence of such waste complicates the analysis of the archaeological layers and highlights the modern environmental challenges faced by marine archaeologists.
The discovery was made possible through a collaboration between the French Navy and the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (DRASSM) of the French Ministry of Culture, an organization dedicated to protecting and studying France's underwater heritage. DRASSM manages a vast maritime zone and has cataloged thousands of underwater sites, contributing significantly to our understanding of maritime history.
Future research plans in the coming years include analyzing samples from the wreckage, creating a detailed 3D digital reconstruction of the "Camarat 4," and preparing an exhibition for a museum on the PACA coast. These efforts are poised to offer invaluable insights into the daily life, art, and trade practices of the Renaissance period, enriching our comprehension of European maritime history.