Location: Panama Length: 11 min
Some evidence, not yet confirmed by archaeological analysis, suggests that the shipwreck at Playa Damas is that of La Vizcaina, a ship abandoned in 1503 by Christopher Columbus on his fourth and final voyage. Whatever its identity, it may be the oldest shipwreck yet found in the Western Hemisphere and a unique opportunity to examine early 16th century shipbuilding methods. This video documents the initial recovery of artifacts from the ship by salvagers in 2001. Some methods employed are not sanctioned by professional archaeologists.
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Web links:
Lost Spanish Ship Found in Panama May Be from the 4th Voyage of Columbus (Athena Review)
The Playa Damas Shipwreck (Underwater Cultural Heritage at Risk)