A major underwater archaeological study has identified 124 shipwrecks among 151 submerged heritage sites in the Bay of Algeciras, located near the Strait of Gibraltar between Europe and Africa.

The research was conducted by Spanish archaeologists between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the area’s long-standing maritime significance as a key global shipping route linking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

According to researchers from the University of Cádiz, the shipwrecks span multiple historical periods, including ancient Carthaginian (Punic), Roman, medieval, and modern eras. The findings underline the region’s role as a major maritime corridor for trade, travel, and naval activity over centuries.

The oldest identified wreck dates back to the 5th century BC and is believed to have carried fish sauce produced in ancient southern Spain. Other significant discoveries include wrecks from the Napoleonic Wars and vessels associated with World War II naval operations.

Researchers noted that climate change and shifting underwater sediments are gradually exposing previously hidden archaeological remains, making documentation increasingly urgent.

Advanced geophysical tools such as multibeam echosounders and magnetometers were used to map the seabed and locate submerged structures before conducting selective diving surveys.

Experts say the site remains highly significant for understanding maritime trade routes, naval warfare history, and ancient seafaring technologies. Further detailed studies of the identified wrecks are planned in future phases of the project.