Shipwrecks give us a window into disasters long past, revealing stories of tragedy, loss, and, sometimes, unexpected horrors. From a centuries-old beer to the puzzling remains of one of the earliest “computers” in antiquity, you can find anything in a shipwreck. These 17 sunken vessels fell beneath the waves, their holds often full of unfortunate souls, but sometimes, with extremely important or interesting historical relics.
17. Human Skeleton on Antikythera Shipwreck
The Antikythera shipwreck, dating back to the 1st Century BC, is famous for its treasures. However, among the artifacts, archaeologists discovered a human skeleton. This grim reminder of the ship’s tragic fate highlights that shipwrecks often tell stories of loss and carnage, not just of riches. The skeleton was found alongside a mysterious bronze disc, further deepening the intrigue surrounding this ancient site.
16. Antikythera Mechanism
The Antikythera mechanism is a remarkable find from the same shipwreck. This ancient device, believed to be an astronomical calculator, showcases the advanced engineering skills of the time. With 30 gear wheels, it challenges our understanding of ancient technology, suggesting that sophisticated machinery existed long before the medieval period.
15. Wreck of the Whydah Galley
The Whydah Galley, a pirate ship captured by Captain Samuel Bellamy, sank in 1717. Only two crew members survived, and the ship’s treasure was lost for centuries. Rediscovered in 1984, the wreck revealed a trove of pirate artifacts, including gold coins and weapons, painting a vivid picture of life on the high seas.
14. Spanish Galleon San Jose
The San Jose, a Spanish galleon, sank in 1708, taking with it a fortune in gold and silver. Its wreck was discovered off the coast of Colombia, and the treasure is estimated to be worth billions. The discovery has sparked debates over ownership and the ethics of treasure hunting.
13. Medieval Shipwreck
A medieval shipwreck discovered off the coast of England in 2019 contained stone mortar and Gothic gravestones. This find is significant as it may be the oldest preserved shipwreck in England, offering insights into medieval construction techniques and trade.
12. Cannon from HMS Victory
The HMS Victory, a warship that sank in 1744, was found in the English Channel. Among the recovered artifacts was a massive cannon, a chilling reminder of the ship’s violent past and the lives lost during its final battle.
11. Tiny Shoes from the Titanic
The Titanic disaster is one of the most infamous maritime tragedies. Among the recovered items were tiny shoes belonging to a young boy, a poignant reminder of the innocent lives lost. The shoes were found alongside other personal effects, each telling a story of the night the ship sank.
10. Cursed Warship Mars
The Mars, a Swedish warship that sank in 1564, was feared for its power. After being lost for centuries, it was discovered in remarkably good condition, containing a vast treasure of gold and silver. Researchers believe it may be the best-preserved vessel of its kind, offering a glimpse into 16th-century naval warfare.
9. SS Andrea Doria
The SS Andrea Doria collided with another ship in 1956, resulting in the loss of 52 lives. The wreck remains a popular dive site, with divers often finding personal belongings and artifacts that tell the story of that fateful night.
8. The SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm, a British merchant ship sunk during WWII, was rediscovered in the 1950s. It was carrying military supplies, including motorcycles and weapons, which are now scattered across the wreck site, serving as a time capsule of wartime history.
7. Sunken World War II Aircraft Carrier
In 2015, the USS Independence, a WWII aircraft carrier, was rediscovered off the coast of California. The wreck is a haunting reminder of the war’s toll, with many artifacts still intact, including aircraft and military equipment.
6. Finnish Shipwreck With A 170-Year-Old Beer
A shipwreck off the coast of Finland from 1842 contained perfectly preserved beer. Belgian brewers recreated the ancient recipe, showcasing how some artifacts can transcend time, offering a taste of history.
5. Titanic Musicians’ Violin
The violin played by the musicians on the Titanic as it sank is a symbol of bravery and tragedy. The band continued to play to calm passengers, and their story remains a powerful testament to human resilience in the face of disaster.
4. Letters from 1941
Fragments of a love letter from 1941 were found in a shipwreck, revealing a poignant story of love and loss. The letter, never delivered, serves as a reminder of the personal connections that can be lost in maritime disasters.
3. Civil War Submarine HL Hunley
The HL Hunley was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship during the Civil War. Its wreck was discovered with the remains of its crew still inside, offering a chilling glimpse into the past and the dangers of early submarine warfare.
2. Large Head from Antikythera
Another intriguing find from the Antikythera wreck was a large marble head, believed to belong to a statue of Hercules. This discovery adds to the mystery of the site and the artifacts that continue to be unearthed.
1. 1600-Year-Old Shipwrecks
Recent discoveries off the coast of Israel revealed two ancient shipwrecks, one dating back 1700 years. Among the artifacts was a gold ring with an early Christian symbol, shedding light on the maritime history of the region and the lives of those who sailed these waters.
