UNESCO investigates Caribbean seabed for Columbus-era shipwrecks

An international UNESCO mission, involving Spain and the Dominican Republic, is investigating over 40 anomalies detected on the seabed of La Isabela Bay. This bay, overlooking the Atlantic, hosted the first permanent Spanish settlement in the Americas, founded in 1493. Explorations conducted in 2024 and 2026 are laying the groundwork for the potential discovery of ancient galleons possibly linked to Christopher Columbus's second voyage, or other shipwrecks dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

A joint Hispano-Dominican commission is set to define funding for archaeological operations by early 2027. Alejandro Gumá Ruiz, an official from UNESCO's Havana regional office, explained that the irregularities "may or may not be attributable to the presence of underwater cultural heritage, which can only be determined in the excavation phase." Any future findings would be preserved in their original environment, in line with the 2001 Convention, and could bolster La Isabela's application for World Heritage status.

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These irregularities may or may not be attributable to the presence of underwater cultural heritage, which can only be determined in the excavation phase.

The project also aims to combat the risks associated with climate change. Anne Lemaistre, director of UNESCO's regional office, highlighted the operation's value, stating, "This initiative is strengthening Dominican national capacities for generating scientific knowledge, in situ preservation of this heritage, and its sustainable management." The initiative underscores a commitment to both uncovering historical maritime secrets and protecting a significant cultural site for future generations.

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This initiative is strengthening Dominican national capacities for generating scientific knowledge, in situ preservation of this heritage, and its sustainable management.