On the southeastern coast of Sicily, near the city of Santa Maria del Focallo, on the territory of Ispica (Ragusa province), a team of archaeologists discovered the remains of a Greek ship dated in the 6th-5th centuries.
The discovery is the result of the sixth underwater archeology campaign, carried out by the Department of Humanist Sciences and Studies of the Cultural Heritage of the University of Udine, in collaboration with the Maritime Authority of the Sicily region.
These researches are part of the “Kaukana” project, a scientific program launched in 2017 by Sebastiano Tusa, former cultural counselor of the Sicily region, and Professor Massimo Capii from the University of Udine.
The purpose of the project is to rebuild the evolution of the coastal and underwater landscape of the province of Ragusa, with an emphasis on the historical vestiges between the old cities of Ispica, Kaukana and Camarina.
The remains of the ship are at a depth of six meters and were initially covered by a layer of sand and stones. From 2024, archaeologists are working on their excavation, and during the last operation, using a dragon, they managed to advance another two meters, extending the dug trench until the complete removal of sedimentary deposits.
Among the objects discovered are the mast of the ship, ceramic with black figures, a small ointment engraved with the Greek word “Nau” (ship) and a fragment of rope used on board, kept in an exceptional state. Also, the essential structural elements of the ship, such as paramezzale (central body part) have been identified.
For five weeks, from May to June, the researchers documented the remains through direct research and photogrammetry, achieving a 3D model that will allow the wreck to be studying with more precision. In parallel, other nearby sites were explored, indicated by a local fisherman and diving, Antonino Giunta, who previously participated in the discovery of important wrecks.
The importance of the discovery exceeds the academic sphere, because the second wreck research campaign has received financial support from the Sunk Costs Productions, which collaborates with Sikelia Productions, the production house of the renowned director Martin Scorsese, for the realization of the documentary “Nauser of Sicilia”.
During the excavations, the filming team recorded images that will be part of this film project, along with other wrecks studied by the maritime authority, such as Marausa II, the columns in Taormina, Gela II and the vestiges submerged from Ustica.
This discovery confirms the value of the underwater heritage of Sicily as a testimony of the civilizations that sailed in its waters. The collaboration between the Sicily region and the University of Udine continues to bring important scientific results, stressed Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, counselor for cultural heritage and Sicilian identity. The project demonstrates how common efforts extend our historical knowledge. Underwater archeology is essential for understanding the peoples who have lived the island over the centuries.
