Bizans Batığı (Wreck From Byzantine Era)

This shipwreck dating from 7 centrury A.D is  founded by sponge diver Kemal Ara. As it has been reported, this shipwreck is one of those shipwrecks excavated by George Bass on the eastern side of the islet. These shipwrecks lie in the shoal water, they have ripped their bottom out of the rocks and sunk. One of these ships, LOA 20m-beam 5m with cargo capacity of 60 tonnes was carrying 900-1000 amphoras.

Excavations were carried out between 1961-1964 under leadership Geoerge Bass. 3533 divings were conducted. Samples of every kind of potteries, bowls, fish nets, scale; uncovered is inscribed with name Georgio,  were collected at the depth of 32-36 meters and these findings are classified. Most of these findings and amphoras are displayed in Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology. Findings ;Gold and bronze coins dating from the era of Heraklium, candles and anchor reconfirm the date of the ship.

Excavation of a sunken ship contributes to our knowledge of their vessel construction technology.

Ship Log of sunken vessel is explained in the broshures, prepared by Oğuz Alpözen-Founder of Bodrum Museum.

June 5

Emperor Heraklium, sovereignty of his excellency for 17 years, 626 A.D. My name is Georgios Kalostulas. I am the captain (Naukleros) of this ship-belongs to Church, at the same time I am the priest of (Presbiteros) of the church. We have loaded provisional cargo for the imperial army, fighting with Persians and departed before sun rise from Samos to Karia. We refuged in god prayed holy saint for safe journey and we have decided to keep our route, away from the dangerous of the shore,  to sail day time and stay at night in the ports on our route.

June 6

Our cruising started in calm weather. Samos was at rear on our route to Peloponnes, we were expecting to reach Halicarnassus and overnight there. On our approach to Myndos, we have decided to pass from the secret passage between the islets. I have passed from this passage several times. But this time, the god was not with us. Strongly blowing wind drifted to the west and did not allow us to alter course to Lodo Island (Yassıca). Thanks god, crew and myself embarked ashore and saved our souls.