On June 12, 2025, researchers identified the remains of a 16th‑century merchant vessel lying more than 2.5 km beneath the Mediterranean Sea off southeastern France—making it the deepest shipwreck ever found in French waters.

The wreck, located near Ramatuelle (close to Saint‑Tropez), was accidentally detected by an underwater drone in early March as part of a government mission monitoring deep‑sea resources. Initial sonar readings revealed a large object, and subsequent exploration using a camera-equipped drone and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) captured detailed images.

Experts estimate the vessel carried around 200 ceramic jugs and roughly 100 yellow plates—possibly originating from Liguria in present-day northern Italy. Many jugs bear the Christogram “IHS” or plant- and geometric-inspired designs. Other recovered items include two cauldrons, an anchor, and six cannons.

Despite its 2,567 m depth, traces of modern debris—a soda can and a yogurt pot—were found among the cargo, but the depth has effectively preserved the site “as if time froze,” according to Marine Sadania of the underwater archaeology team.

The site has been named “Camarat 4” by researchers.

Over the next two years, archaeologists aim to create a 3D digital model of the wreck and selectively retrieve artifacts for further study before returning them to public access. The French Defense Ministry noted that they use a robotic submarine arm to collect items via a long cable from the surface.

Prior to this discovery, the deepest sunken vessel catalogued by French authorities was the submarine La Minerve, resting at 2.3 km near Toulon since a loss in 2019.