Giant underwater safe protects $8 million shipwreck

Published on April 27th, 2010 | by Sevaan Franks

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A giant cage has been erected around an ancient Greek shipwreck in Croatia, effectively creating an underwater safe.

Little remains of the wooden ship but its cargo of earthenware amphora – ceramic vases – still remain stacked row upon row.

The vases, which originally contained olive oil and wine, are still tightly packed into the cargo hold as they were centuries ago.

Its cargo – one of the best preserved from an ancient wreck – has great historical significance and has an estimated value of £5m on the black market.

Croatian authorities are so concerned about looters plundering the valuable artefacts they have now protected the site – with a metal cage.

The heavy-duty cage features a large hinged door, which is kept locked with occasional access granted for divers under strict supervision.

[Full story]

Tags: Amphorae, Cage, Croatia, Greek, Safe, Shipwrecks, Treasure, Underwater

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