Shipwreck Near Kenya May Belong to Vasco da Gama’s Final Voyage

Archaeologists believe they have found the wreckage of a Portuguese galleon that may have belonged to Vasco da Gama, the navigator who famously discovered the sea route to India by rounding the Cape of Good Hope. The wreck, identified off the coast of Malindi, Kenya, could be of monumental significance in maritime archaeology, offering valuable insights into the history of European exploration.

The shipwreck was first discovered in 2013 by Caesar Bita, an underwater archaeologist from the National Museums of Kenya, who received a tip from a local fisherman. The wreck has now been linked to da Gama’s fleet, possibly from his third voyage in 1524. On this journey, the ship São Jorge is thought to have sunk off the coast of East Africa. While da Gama died during the voyage, the exact location of the ship’s wreckage was never determined.

The site, which lies at a depth of just 20 feet, is being studied by a team led by Portuguese nautical archaeologist Filipe Castro. The team believes the wreck could be the São Jorge, making it the oldest European shipwreck in the Indian Ocean. The wreck has yielded intriguing finds, including elephant ivory and copper ingots. While the ship’s timbers are scarce, the team has uncovered pieces of its hull, with many features still covered in coral.

The discovery is a significant step in uncovering the history of European exploration in Africa and Asia. Maritime archaeologist Sean Kingsley described it as “archaeological stardust,” highlighting its importance for the field. The wreck is being carefully studied and monitored by a community archaeology project, with local people being trained to assist in the ongoing research and conservation efforts.