Sunk 3rd century merchant ship, recovered in Lipari

On the eastern side of Lipari at the Secca di Capistelloa merchant ship was wrecked in the 3rd century BC after hitting an outcropping rock, thus losing part of its cargo.

The wreck was identified in 1966 and, from the first reports, was the subject of repeated looting attempts. Today the underwater archaeological campaign that led to the recovery of the hull ended successfully.

The amphorae recovered in the Lipari Museum

The amphorae transported by the ship had been recovered and exhibited over fifty years ago in Aeolian archaeological museum Luigi Bernabò Brea.

Scientific investigations

The first scientific investigations were started byGerman archaeological institute of Rome and subsequently deepened thanks to the interventions of theInstitute of nautical archaeology and of Sub sea oil serviceswhich contributed to making the site one of the best-known cases ofMediterranean underwater archaeology.

The recovery of the wreck

The recovery intervention, promoted by Superintendency of the Seathanks to a project coordinated by the archaeologist Roberto La Roccain collaboration with the Archaeological park of the Aeolian Islandsl’University of Malta and with the support of men and means of the Coast Guardis absolutely exceptional both for the historical and scientific value of the wreck and for the complexity of the operations.

The scientific value

“The recovery of the wreck – said the Superintendent of the Sea Emanuele Turco – represents a result of great scientific and cultural importance, the result of important institutional collaboration which confirms Sicily’s role as an international point of reference in the field of underwater archaeology”.

Museum creation in Lipari

At the end of the restoration and study operations, the wreck of the Secca di Capistello it will be destined for museum display in Lipari.

A Hellenistic testimony

“After over two thousand years, one of the most important testimonies of the Hellenistic navigation in the Mediterranean. A new phase of study, restoration and valorisation is now opening which will allow the hull to be reunited with its load for the first time, returning to the public an archaeological context of extraordinary importance”: this was stated by the councilor for cultural heritage and Sicilian identity, Francesco Paolo Scarpinatoreferring to the 3rd century BC ship’s hull recovered on Lipari.