16th-century shipwreck of a merchant vessel discovered off the coast of Ramatuelle in France accidentally when navy researchers scanned the seafloor in routine sonar investigations

16th-century shipwreck of a merchant vessel discovered off the coast of Ramatuelle in France accidentally when navy researchers scanned the seafloor in routine sonar investigations has revealed a merchant ship that had remained on the seabed for about 500 years. The discovery happened during a French military operation in 2025. Researchers were scanning the seafloor when sonar detected an object. The team returned with underwater equipment and found a shipwreck about 1.5 miles from Ramatuelle, France. The vessel lies 8,200 feet underwater. Its location helped protect the site from salvage and looting. Researchers found ceramics, ship equipment and other objects linked to the vessel.

How the shipwreck was found?

The discovery began during a routine operation by French authorities to inspect the seabed. Researchers from the French Navy’s Expert Center for Human Diving and Underwater Intervention and the Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research were involved in the work.


During the sonar investigation in 2025, the equipment detected an object on the seafloor. The reading suggested that the object was large. Thierry de la Burgade, deputy maritime prefect, said the team first detected something large with sonar. Researchers then returned with a camera to examine the location. They later used an underwater robot to collect images of the site.

The first visual inspection was carried out with the A18D deep-sea autonomous underwater vehicle. A remotely operated underwater vehicle was then used to examine the wreck and create a map through photography. The discovery was not planned as a search for a shipwreck. It came from routine sonar investigations of the French seafloor.

16th-century shipwreck of a merchant vessel discovered off the coast of Ramatuelle in France

The wreck was named Camarat 4 after its geographical position. It lies about 1.5 miles off the coast of Ramatuelle and about 8,200 feet below the surface. French officials said this makes Camarat 4 the deepest shipwreck found in French territorial waters.

The depth also explains why the wreck remained in place. At the time the ship sank, there was no method available to conduct a salvage operation at such a depth. The site also did not face looting in the centuries that followed.

This has left the wreck and its cargo in a condition that can provide information about a merchant ship from the 16th century. Arnaud Schaumasse, head of the culture ministry’s underwater archaeology department, described it as the deepest shipwreck found in French territorial waters.

What was found on the merchant vessel?

Researchers estimate that the ship was more than 98 feet long and about 23 feet wide. The vessel appears to have been a merchant ship. Its cargo includes ceramics that can help researchers understand its route and trade links. At least 200 earthenware pitchers were found under sediment. The pitchers have round bodies, pinched spouts and ribbon handles. Some of the pitchers carry the letters “IHS”. The symbol is a Greek reference associated with Jesus Christ. The pitchers also have patterns that may have been based on plant forms.

Researchers said the pitchers match ceramics linked to Ligurian production from the 16th century. Liguria is now part of northern Italy. The team also found about 100 yellow plates. Other objects found at the site include anchors, cannons and two cauldrons. These items provide information about the ship and its equipment. The combination of ceramics and other objects has helped researchers form an idea about where the ship may have been travelling.

Where the ship was travelling?

Experts believe the vessel was sailing southwest from the Liguria region when it sank. The cargo is one reason researchers have connected the ship with the area. Liguria was a production centre for the type of ceramics found inside the wreck. The region is now in northern Italy. The ship may have been carrying the ceramics as part of a trade journey.

Researchers have not yet established the exact reason the ship sank. The information available so far identifies the ship as a 16th-century merchant vessel and places its route toward the southwest. Further study of the wreck and its surroundings could provide information about its journey, cargo and final voyage.

Why Camarat 4 matters to archaeology?

The depth of Camarat 4 has played a major role in preserving the site. A shipwreck in shallower water can be affected by salvage operations, human activity and looting. Camarat 4 was beyond the reach of salvage methods available when it sank. Researchers also found no evidence that people had looted the site later.

This means the wreck has remained in place with much of its cargo. The ceramics are important because they can provide information about production and trade during the 16th century. The ship equipment can also help researchers study how merchant vessels were operated.

The Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean said Camarat 4 provides an opportunity to study a 16th-century complex that has remained almost intact. The wreck therefore has value beyond the discovery of an old ship. It can help researchers examine a ship, its cargo and its position together.

What researchers plan to do next?

French agencies plan to create a digital 3D model of Camarat 4. Researchers also hope to return to the site and collect samples from selected artifacts. The planned work includes exploration around the wreck, comprehensive photogrammetry and targeted sampling.

Photogrammetry uses photographs to create measurements and a digital representation of an object or site. In this case, researchers can use photographs taken from different positions to build a 3D model of the shipwreck. The agencies said the work will be carried out with assistance from a panel of experts.

Researchers also want to study the area surrounding the ship. Objects near the main wreck could provide information about how the vessel sank and how its cargo was distributed on the seabed.

Why the discovery was accidental?

Camarat 4 was not found during a dedicated shipwreck search. The site was identified while French Navy researchers were carrying out routine sonar investigations. Sonar allowed the team to detect an object that was not visible from the surface.

The first sonar reading led researchers to inspect the location. The A18D autonomous underwater vehicle provided an initial view. A remotely operated underwater vehicle then allowed the team to photograph and map the site.

This sequence turned a routine seabed survey into an archaeological investigation. The discovery also shows how underwater technology can help researchers locate sites at depths where direct human access is not possible.

What makes the shipwreck significant?

Camarat 4 brings together several elements that can help researchers study the 16th century. It is about 500 years old. It lies 8,200 feet underwater. It contains ceramics and ship equipment. It also appears to have avoided salvage and looting. The ceramics point toward Liguria in northern Italy and suggest that the ship was travelling southwest.

The ship measures more than 98 feet in length and about 23 feet in width. Its cargo includes at least 200 earthenware pitchers and around 100 yellow plates. Anchors, cannons and two cauldrons were also identified. The next stage of research will focus on documenting the wreck and studying selected artifacts.

The French agencies said the site represents a research opportunity because it has remained in place for centuries. Camarat 4 is therefore not only a shipwreck discovery. It is also a site that can help researchers examine maritime trade, ceramic production and ship operations during the 16th century.