The Consell de Mallorca and Spain’s National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA) have held a key meeting in Cartagena to strengthen institutional collaboration on the future extraction and preservation of the Ses Fontanelles shipwreck.
Antònia Roca, Vice President of the Consell de Mallorca and Councillor of Culture and Heritage, visited ARQVA and its ARQVAtec laboratory to gain in-depth knowledge of the technical protocols used in similar past operations. Accompanied by ARQVA’s director, Rafael Sabio, Roca explored current methodologies and shared insights with specialists in underwater archaeology and the conservation of marine-recovered materials.
The Consell, alongside a committee of experts, has been developing a long-term project to recover and restore the Ses Fontanelles wreck. The wooden vessel, approximately 12 meters long and dated to the 3rd or 4th century AD, was discovered in 2019 just 60 meters from Palma Beach and submerged at a shallow depth of 2.5 meters. The wreck is considered highly significant due to its excellent state of preservation and the presence of original cargo, including amphorae and other trade goods.
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Mallorca and Spain’s National Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Due to its vulnerable location—near the shoreline and exposed to erosion and looting risks—experts emphasize the urgent need for its extraction to ensure its conservation and allow for scientific study and public exhibition.
During her visit, Roca examined the ongoing conservation of Mazarrón II, a 7th-century BC Phoenician vessel currently being treated at ARQVAtec. This high-profile case has become an international benchmark in recovering ancient submerged ships and demonstrates the potential of combining science, technology, and institutional cooperation.
“The Mazarrón II case shows us how science, technology, and collaboration can recover heritage that once seemed lost. The Ses Fontanelles wreck deserves the same level of dedication and ambition,” stated Roca.
The final project plan for the extraction and conservation of Ses Fontanelles is currently being drafted. It involves a multidisciplinary team including archaeologists, conservators, engineers, geologists, and specialists in various scientific fields.
“This project aims not only to recover an exceptional piece of our maritime past but also to place Mallorca at the forefront of international discussions on underwater heritage, its recovery, and its scientific management,” Roca concluded.