A unique find in Bulgarian waters

Divers from the "Friends of the Sea – Burgas" association, in collaboration with archaeologists from the Institute of Underwater Heritage, have completed their latest expedition to the remains of a historic vessel near Kiten.

The ship is considered one of the best-preserved wooden structures in the Bulgarian Black Sea waters.

History and origin of the ship

Studies led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krum Bachvarov confirm that it is a cargo ship of the "caique" type from the Ottoman period. Dendrochronological analysis of the wood, which carried Strandzha oak, dates the sinking to the second half of the 19th century.

What did the researchers discover?

  • Parts of the ship's rigging.
  • Items from the crew's daily life.
  • Coins from the same historical period.

The vessel, measuring 24 by 7 meters, remains a key site for understanding maritime trade and history along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast during the 19th century.