Overview
- The University of Cádiz’s Herakles Project reported 151 underwater sites in the bay, including 134 shipwrecks, with 34 recorded in full detail.
- The finds span from a Punic-era vessel from the fifth century BCE through Roman, medieval and early modern ships to wrecks from World War II.
- Notable identifications include the late-18th-century Spanish gunboat Puente Mayorga IV and remains of an Italian Maiale human‑torpedo used against British targets.
- Scientists say port expansion, dredging and changing sediment from rising seas are exposing fragile timbers, while fast‑spreading Rugulopteryx okamurae algae blankets many wrecks.
- The team is building virtual 3D models and 360‑degree videos and plans deeper surveys after using sonar, magnetometers and dive inspections to map the shallow seabed.