There are valuable archaeological resources in some places beneath the sea waves. For example, thousands of wrecks of ships and planes lie like time capsules on the sea bed. Some are little remains of wrecks, while others are still virtually intact. We do not know the precise location of some, while we are entirely unaware of the existence of others.
Also, wrecks and obstructions do not just lie on the seabed. Tidal currents cause turbulences that pull grinding channels in the seabed around a wreck. As a result, a wreck can slip away and become completely buried by the sandy seabed over the years.
Every wreck is unique and tells its own story. Many ships have sunk over the centuries, from prehistoric dugout canoes to Viking ships, from Dutch East India Company ships to steamships, from submarines to patrol boats, and from fishing boats to more recently lost freighters. Together, these wrecks give us an insight into the maritime history, which gives them great cultural importance.
Wrecks are also biodiversity hotspots, home to entirely different plants and creatures than the surrounding sea bed. This also makes wrecks interesting for fishermen and divers. Not every wreck is ecologically valuable. This depends on various factors, including the age of the wreck, the material in the wreck and its distance from the coast.
The layer wrecks gives a general overview of archaeological remains in a sea region. An unknown number of them consists of archaeological remains, including old shipwrecks and settlements. Another part consists of lost cargo, sunken ships and ship components.
Return to shipping.
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Co-funded by the European Union.