Secrets of the North Sea: why archaeologists couldn't explore the sunken ship in time (photos)

Near Rantum, a coastal village on the island of Sylt in northern Germany, travelers stumbled upon the remnants of a wooden shipwreck. They promptly reported their find to local historian Günther Schröder, who notified the Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein for further investigation, writes Arkeonews.

The coastline of the region has a rich history of similar shipwreck discoveries. Notable examples include the sunken vessel "Hörnum Odde," found in 2016, and the "Ulpiano," which sank in 1817. Each discovery provides invaluable insights into the dangers of historical navigation and the challenges faced by sailors navigating the treacherous waters off the coast of North Frisia.

Archaeologists visited Sylt on January 20, 2025, to examine the recently discovered vessel; however, due to the tides of the North Sea, the site was once again buried in sand just two days after the find. Efforts to locate and document the sunken ship are currently on hold until conditions allow. Photographs showing copper bolts in the construction suggest that the ship dates back to the 19th or 20th century.

This discovery adds to the list of shipwrecks found in the Wadden Sea region. Recent finds include the sunken vessel Hörnum Odde (circa 1690), the sunken ship Japsand (circa 1609), and three sunken vessels Süderoogsand, discovered between 2022 and 2023.

The Wadden Sea has long been a treacherous area for mariners. From the 17th to the early 20th century, hundreds of shipwrecks have been documented, particularly around the islands of Japsand, Norderoogsand, and Süderoogsand. Strong westerly winds and a lack of safe harbors have turned these waters into a dangerous barrier for trading vessels.

The "Rantum" shipwreck and others like it shed light on the perilous maritime heritage of the North Sea. Whether caused by natural changes or human curiosity, these finds allow for a deeper understanding of the region's history and its ongoing challenges.

We also reported on the "rhinoceros" beneath the roadway. Archaeologists uncovered a 1500-year-old Roman-era stone coffin weighing 750 kilograms.