The ship sunk in Cádiz 4 centuries ago

It was officially confirmed. The wreck 'Delta II', found in 2012 in the bay of Cadiz, corresponds to the Genoese ship 'San Giorgio e Sant'Elmo Buonaventura'. It was sunk in Francis Drake's attack on the Cadiz city in 1587. The ship sunk in Cádiz 4 centuries ago continues to write its history.

The wreck is one of the "most unique" testimonies of Andalusian underwater cultural heritage. Its sinking occurred on April 29, 1587 during Francis Drake's attack on Cádiz. The site allows us to reconstruct a key episode in European maritime history. They were the preparations of the Great Navy of Philip II, the strategic role of the Cadiz port and the intense commercial network that linked the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and America.

Sunk by Drake

This site was located in 2012. It happened during archaeological work linked to the new container terminal at the Port of Cádiz. It is a work that began in 2011.

The work is carried out by the archaeological company awarded the work –Tanit Gestión Arqueológica. The remains were protected under a layer of compact mud. This favored the "exceptional" conservation of organic materials and other highly fragile elements.

'Delta II' corresponds to a Genoese boat of Mediterranean construction. The ship had arrived in Cádiz in the context of a State mission ordered by Philip II. It had to transport supplies and cannons intended for the preparations of the Great Armada that was being supplied in Lisbon. While anchored in front of the city, it was sunk by the English fleet commanded by Francis Drake. Among the most notable finds is a set of bronze cannons carefully stowed in the cellar. There are barrels and containers with organic products.

valuable cargo

The identification of grana cochineal is of special relevance. It is a valuable red dye from America. It was kept in cloth bags placed in wooden barrels. It was appreciated in the Modern Age for its use as a dye. It became the third most expensive product from America after gold and silver.

The ship that sank in Cádiz 4 centuries ago also had other cargo. There were ceramic containers (botijas) with olives in brine. Also remains of wood (guayacán), boxes with ginger from America. Other materials are added that allow us to know not only the history of the shipwreck, but also the economic, commercial and maritime life of Cádiz in the 16th century.