Ventotene Islands, Italy 2008 Project

The 2008 Project
The main aims of the project were to carry out an extensive survey of the seabed surrounding the islands out to the 150 meter contour. On the basis of the survey results it was envisaged that targets and anomalies would be mapped and presented to the authorities in the form of an archaeological map.

Project Operations
In order to achieve the abovementioned aims, the Trust deployed its Klein System 3900 side scan sonar which was deployed from the MV ISIS.  The fish was towed along a series of predetermined lines which were laid out in a triangular form around the islands. This ensured the methodical coverage of the entire area earmarked for survey.

Finds
A number of targets were noted. These targets included a number of jar-like objects that may be ancient amphorae. There were also a number of large interesting but less discernible anomalies that have been earmarked for further investigation. In the course of the survey, we also obtained sonar images of the well-known wreck of the Santa Lucia, sunk towards the end of the Second World War.

Future Work
The Trust is planning to return to Ventotene in the summer of 2009. It is envisaged that further sonar survey will be conducted so as to extend the area of seabed mapped. Furthermore, we will also be deploying the ROV on several of the anomalies recorded in 2008.