Mozambique 2018 - Ancient dhow shipwreck ?

3D Model

This model displays an underwater area of about 20 meters by 20 meters at its max measurements. In this area is, according to preliminar ceramics analysis, possibly the remains of an ancient Indian Ocean precolonial dhow of the 14-15th century.

When Vasco de Gama entered for the first time the bay surrounding the Island of Mozambique, he mentioned in his writings the presence of 30 meter long Indian ocean dhows, which were already sailing accross the ocean to trade African for Indian goods.

In addition of sparse pieces of ceramics, an important number of balast stones are still present. Also, several large pieces of woods appeared parallel, under a very thin layer of sediment.

The photo acquisition was done early July 2018 by the Octopus Foundation team in support to the new center for underwater archeology of the island of Mozambique.

Web : octopusfoundation.org/en