Detecting wrecks from the 17th century

The researchers discovered the wreck of Spain with many tools and weapons, suffered in the 17th century but still preserved intact.

Discovering the wreck of Spain from the 17th century

In July 2011, the team of archeologists discovered the wreck at a depth of 12 meters, off Panama.After studying, they discovered the historical story of this ship.

Spanish cargo ship named Nuestra Señora de Encarnación, designed and installed in Veracruz, Mexico.It was the vehicle of the Firme fleet, one of the sources of economic profit for Spain in the 17th century. In 1681, the ship was engulfed in a great storm.

Fritz Hanselmann, an underwater archaeologist at the University of Texas, said they accidentally discovered this ship when searching for a means of transporting the infamous pirate Henry Morgan.

They use sensors and detect signs of metal in front of the Chagres river.A group of divers are dispatched to search, locate the ship and cargo.The 334-year-old ship was well preserved because it was under a sandy mud layer nearly a meter thick.

The team found 100 boxes, swords, blades, scissors, and nails on board, and also pottery, wooden crates and lead seals.About 20 artifacts were restored from the ship during the dives of 2012 and 2014.

Encarnación was one of the 16 Spanish wrecks found in the Americas, but most of these vehicles were looted and seriously damaged by bacteria or wood-eating organisms.

A blade is found on Encarnación ship.

The seal of goods found on the ship.