Cartagena, Spain 2007 Season
The 2007 Season
The main aims of the project were to carry out an extensive survey of the seabed in the area. On the basis of the survey results it was envisaged that targets and anomalies would be identified and mapped thus creating an archive of cultural assets present on the seafloor. This was the first systematic survey in the area of its kind. In total an area of over 7 km2 was surveyed between 14th and 17th August. The following points give an approximate boundary for the survey area:
North western corner: 37º 34.9741 N 001º 00.5827 W
South western corner: 37º 33.4345 N 001º 00.8953 W
South eastern corner: 37º 33.4289 N 000º 58.3425 W
North eastern corner: 37º 35.0664 N 000º 58.7381 W
Project Operations
In order to achieve the abovementioned aims, the Trust deployed its Klein System 3000 side scan sonar which was deployed from the MV ISIS. The fish was towed along a series of predetermined lines which ensured the methodical coverage of the entire area earmarked for survey.
Finds
A number of targets were noted. These targets included a number of old anchors, small craft, a 19th century shipwreck and a very interesting but less discernible anomaly that was earmarked for further investigation.
Exploration
Towards the end of the 2007 expedition the small ROV operated by Aurora was lowered so as to investigate the curious anomaly. The initial stages of the search were hampered by low visibility caused by the silty conditions present in Cartagena Bay.
After some time, we noticed broken ceramic objects laying on the seabed and upon closer investigation these turned out be pieces of amphorae. The pieces formed a trail which we followed until we came across a large homogeneous pile of amphorae stacked over two meters high. We had just discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck from circa 200 BC.
Future Work
Aurora intend returning to Cartagena to further explore the Roman shipwreck as well as to explore other areas off the coast of Cartagena.
