A company drilling for oil off the Israeli coast stumbled upon a shipwreck which might change maritime history as we know it. The ship, which according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is 3,300 years old is also said to be the remains of the oldest shipwreck to be found in the deep sea.&nbsp;

<h2>About the shipwreck discovered</h2>

The shipwreck and its artefacts were discovered around 1,800 metres deep at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea by Energean, an energy company. The cargo on the ship included hundreds of amphorae – a tall ancient Greek or Roman container likely used for carrying oil, wine or fruit.&nbsp;

The shipwreck was discovered last year after the Energean-operated underwater robot was scouring the seabed and stumbled upon the 12- to 14-metre-long ship buried in the muddy bottom of the sea among hundreds of jars.&nbsp;

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The energy company’s environment lead Karnit Bahartan said that they had sent the images to the IAA; it turned out to be a “sensational discovery, far beyond what we could imagine”. &nbsp;

The ship is still sitting at the bottom of the ocean. However, Energean worked with the IAA and retrieved two of the jars to the surface for research.

<h2>‘Groundbreaking discovery’</h2>

The finding of the hundreds of intact ancient amphorae has been described as a “groundbreaking discovery” by the IAA.&nbsp;

The Israeli authority also said that given the depth at which the shipwreck is, it has been undisturbed by waves, currents or fishermen for millennia. Therefore, the IAA believes that it offers a greater potential for research.&nbsp;

“Only two other shipwrecks with cargo are known from the Late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean Sea…both found off the Turkish coast. Yet both of those shipwrecks were found relatively close to shore,” Jacob Sharvit, head of the IAA marine unit noted.&nbsp;

The shipwreck, Sharvit said, has “tremendous potential” for research and since it was “preserved at such a great depth time has frozen since the moment of disaster.”&nbsp;

According to the IAA, the discovery suggests that the navigational skills of ancient sailors were more advanced than previously thought.&nbsp;

“The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner abilities. It is the very first to be found at such a great distance with no line of sight to any landmass,” said Sharvit.&nbsp;

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He also noted that up until this discovery, researchers were under the impression that the trade during this period was conducted by boats sailing close to the shore and “safely flitting from port to port”.&nbsp;

“The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner abilities. It is the very first to be found at such a great distance with no line of sight to any landmass,” said the official from the IAA.&nbsp;

The finding, as per the Israeli official, also suggests that the sailors navigated using celestial bodies like the sun and star positions to find their way.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A company drilling for oil off the Israeli coast stumbled upon a shipwreck which might change maritime history as we know it. The ship, which according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is 3,300 years old is also said to be the remains of the oldest shipwreck to be found in the deep sea.

A company drilling for oil off the Israeli coast stumbled upon a shipwreck which might change maritime history as we know it. The ship, which according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is 3,300 years old is also said to be the remains of the oldest shipwreck to be found in the deep sea. About the shipwreck discovered The shipwreck and its artefacts were discovered around 1,800 metres deep at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea by Energean, an energy company. The cargo on the ship included hundreds of amphorae – a tall ancient Greek or Roman container likely used for carrying oil, wine or fruit. The shipwreck was discovered last year after the Energean-operated underwater robot was scouring the seabed and stumbled upon the 12- to 14-metre-long ship buried in the muddy bottom of the sea among hundreds of jars. Also Read | After human testicles, microplastics discovered in human penises for first time The energy company’s environment lead Karnit Bahartan said that they had sent the images to the IAA; it turned out to be a “sensational discovery, far beyond what we could imagine”. The ship is still sitting at the bottom of the ocean. However, Energean worked with the IAA and retrieved two of the jars to the surface for research. ‘Groundbreaking discovery’ The finding of the hundreds of intact ancient amphorae has been described as a “groundbreaking discovery” by the IAA. The Israeli authority also said that given the depth at which the shipwreck is, it has been undisturbed by waves, currents or fishermen for millennia. Therefore, the IAA believes that it offers a greater potential for research. “Only two other shipwrecks with cargo are known from the Late Bronze Age in the Mediterranean Sea…both found off the Turkish coast. Yet both of those shipwrecks were found relatively close to shore,” Jacob Sharvit, head of the IAA marine unit noted. The shipwreck, Sharvit said, has “tremendous potential” for research and since it was “preserved at such a great depth time has frozen since the moment of disaster.” According to the IAA, the discovery suggests that the navigational skills of ancient sailors were more advanced than previously thought. “The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner abilities. It is the very first to be found at such a great distance with no line of sight to any landmass,” said Sharvit. Also Read | Does space travel impact eye health? Researchers investigate He also noted that up until this discovery, researchers were under the impression that the trade during this period was conducted by boats sailing close to the shore and “safely flitting from port to port”. “The discovery of this boat now changes our entire understanding of ancient mariner abilities. It is the very first to be found at such a great distance with no line of sight to any landmass,” said the official from the IAA. The finding, as per the Israeli official, also suggests that the sailors navigated using celestial bodies like the sun and star positions to find their way. (With inputs from agencies)

A 3,300-year-old shipwreck discovered off Israeli coast could rewrite history. Here's why

The UN's migration agency said on Tuesday (Mar 26)&nbsp;that drowning was the&nbsp;leading cause of migrant deaths&nbsp;over the past 10 years, claiming over 36,000 lives. Among the approximately 64,000 migrant deaths documented during this period, nearly 60 per cent were due&nbsp;to drowning, as disclosed in a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

<h2>Mediterranean: A dangerous passage</h2>

A significant portion of these tragic incidents occurred in the Mediterranean, where over 27,000 lives were lost. This maritime route is used by migrants attempting to travel&nbsp;from northern Africa to southern Europe. The IOM highlighted the extreme dangers associated with this region and the dangerous nature of such journeys.

The IOM cautioned that the figures presented in the report likely underestimate the true scale of migrant deaths, as much of the data remains incomplete. Despite efforts to monitor the Mediterranean more intensively, there are challenges in obtaining reliable data, particularly in regions like the Sahara Desert where monitoring is difficult.

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Two-thirds of recorded deaths and disappearances remain unidentified, with over half lacking information regarding the migrant's sex or age. For those cases where origin could be determined, it was observed that over a third originated from conflict-ridden areas or regions with significant refugee populations.

<h2>2023 and 2024 statistics</h2>

The year 2023 marked the deadliest period since the IOM began collecting data, with over 8,500 deaths recorded on migration routes worldwide.

Also watch |&nbsp;19 froze to death on Greek border, hundreds protest against migrant pushback

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The trend has persisted into 2024, with the organisation noting that current figures are equally alarming. Despite a slight decline in arrivals via the Mediterranean route compared to the previous year, the number of deaths remains distressingly high.</div>

(With inputs from agencies)

The UN's migration agency said on Tuesday (Mar 26) that drowning was the leading cause of migrant deaths over the past 10 years, claiming over 36,000 lives. Among the approximately 64,000 migrant deaths documented during this period, nearly 60 per cent were due to drowning, as disclosed in a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The UN's migration agency said on Tuesday (Mar 26) that drowning was the leading cause of migrant deaths over the past 10 years, claiming over 36,000 lives. Among the approximately 64,000 migrant deaths documented during this period, nearly 60 per cent were due to drowning, as disclosed in a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Mediterranean: A dangerous passage A significant portion of these tragic incidents occurred in the Mediterranean, where over 27,000 lives were lost. This maritime route is used by migrants attempting to travel from northern Africa to southern Europe. The IOM highlighted the extreme dangers associated with this region and the dangerous nature of such journeys. The IOM cautioned that the figures presented in the report likely underestimate the true scale of migrant deaths, as much of the data remains incomplete. Despite efforts to monitor the Mediterranean more intensively, there are challenges in obtaining reliable data, particularly in regions like the Sahara Desert where monitoring is difficult. Also read | UN agency for migration declares 2023 as the most fatal year for migrants Two-thirds of recorded deaths and disappearances remain unidentified, with over half lacking information regarding the migrant's sex or age. For those cases where origin could be determined, it was observed that over a third originated from conflict-ridden areas or regions with significant refugee populations. 2023 and 2024 statistics The year 2023 marked the deadliest period since the IOM began collecting data, with over 8,500 deaths recorded on migration routes worldwide. Also watch | 19 froze to death on Greek border, hundreds protest against migrant pushback The trend has persisted into 2024, with the organisation noting that current figures are equally alarming. Despite a slight decline in arrivals via the Mediterranean route compared to the previous year, the number of deaths remains distressingly high. (With inputs from agencies)

Most migrant deaths in past 10 years were due to drowning, UN says

More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).&nbsp;

The United Nations agency citing survivors said that the boat carrying around 86 people departed the Libyan city of Zwara.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know</h2>

According to the IOM, at least 61 people, including women and children, are missing and presumed dead.&nbsp;

A “large number of migrants” are believed to have died because of high waves which swamped their vessel, the UN agency’s office in Libya told AFP, in a statement.&nbsp;

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At least 25 people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre, said the IOM, adding that the organisation’s team “provided medical support” and the survivors are all in good condition.&nbsp;

Most of the victims, involved in the latest incident, are from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, said the UN agency. “The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes,” said the IOM, in a statement on X.&nbsp;

Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson took to X and said more than 2,250 people died this year on the central Mediterranean migrant route, a “dramatic figure which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea”.&nbsp;

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<h2>Rise in number of&nbsp;migrant boats</h2>

Since the beginning of this year, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

Libya and Tunisia are said to be one of the main departure points for refugees and asylum seekers risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe. More than 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN refugee agency.

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In June, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people which departed from Libya and was en route to Italy, sank in international waters off southwest Greece.&nbsp;

An AFP report citing survivors said, the ship was carrying mainly Syrians, Pakistanis and Egyptians. Over 104 people survived and 82 bodies were reportedly recovered after the deadly incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More than 60 people, including women and children, are said to have drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, on Saturday (Dec 16), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The United Nations agency citing survivors said that the boat carrying around 86 people departed the Libyan city of Zwara. What we know According to the IOM, at least 61 people, including women and children, are missing and presumed dead. A “large number of migrants” are believed to have died because of high waves which swamped their vessel, the UN agency’s office in Libya told AFP, in a statement. ALSO READ | Around 40 migrants missing after boat capsizes between Italy and Tunisia At least 25 people were rescued and transferred to a Libyan detention centre, said the IOM, adding that the organisation’s team “provided medical support” and the survivors are all in good condition. Most of the victims, involved in the latest incident, are from Nigeria, Gambia and other African countries, said the UN agency. “The central Mediterranean continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes,” said the IOM, in a statement on X. Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesperson took to X and said more than 2,250 people died this year on the central Mediterranean migrant route, a “dramatic figure which demonstrates that unfortunately not enough is being done to save lives at sea”. ALSO READ | At least five killed, seven missing after migrant boat capsizes off Tunisian coast Rise in number of migrant boats Since the beginning of this year, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations. Libya and Tunisia are said to be one of the main departure points for refugees and asylum seekers risking dangerous sea voyages in hopes of reaching Europe. More than 153,000 migrants arrived in Italy this year from Tunisia and Libya, according to the UN refugee agency. ALSO READ | Migrant boat with 400 on board slowly sinking between Libya and Malta In June, the Adriana, a fishing boat loaded with 750 people which departed from Libya and was en route to Italy, sank in international waters off southwest Greece. An AFP report citing survivors said, the ship was carrying mainly Syrians, Pakistanis and Egyptians. Over 104 people survived and 82 bodies were reportedly recovered after the deadly incident. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 60 people, including women and children, drown in shipwreck off Libya, says IOM

The migrant boat capsized in the Mediterranean and this is being described as one of the worst migrant tragedies off the coast of Greece. At least about 79 migrants reportedly have drowned and there are dozens who are still missing as their boat capsized near Greece's Peloponnese region. The authorities have said that this is still unclear as to how many people were on board.

At least 79 drown in a migrant shipwreck at the Mediterranean Sea, en route to Italy