A team of maritime archaeologists may have brought to light a fundamental piece of history: the wreck of the Sao Jorgea Portuguese galleon linked to the famous explorer’s fleet Vasco da Gamawas identified in the seabed off the coast of Malindion the coast of Kenya. If confirmed, the discovery would represent a crucial moment in the study of maritime archeology and the history of European exploration.
In the 2013Caesar Bita, an underwater archaeologist from National Museum of Kenyareceived a tip from a local fisherman. That intuition paved the way for a long investigation that led to the identification of the submerged remains of a ship. Afterwards, Bita got involved Filipe Castroa Portuguese expert from the University of Coimbra, to analyze the site. The two scholars believe that the wreck could be that of the Sao Jorgeshipwrecked in 1524 during Vasco da Gama’s third expedition to India. If this hypothesis were confirmed, it would be the oldest European shipwreck ever found in the Indian Ocean.
What was recovered
The galleon lies at a depth of suns 6 metersprotected by the local community, which actively participates in a project community archaeology. This approach not only preserves the site, but allows residents to contribute to research and documentation.
Among the finds already recovered there are elephant ivory, copper ingots and hull fragments. However, much of the wreck remains buried under a layer of coral. Objects dated to the first quarter of the 16th century suggest that the ship was headed for India, and not back to Portugal.
Mysteries to be revealed
Although much evidence points to the São Jorge, the identity of the wreck has not yet been definitively ascertained. Some experts suggest it could be the Nossa Senhora da Graçaanother Portuguese ship sunk in 1544.
Sean Kingsley, a maritime archaeologist not involved in the excavation, described the discovery as “archaeological stardust”, underlining the importance of protecting such a unique wreck. Precisely for this reason, the research team is training members of the local community so they can monitor the site and contribute to future investigations.
