'Spectacular' shipwreck found with underwater time capsule of untouched cargo: 'Amazing find'

Archaeologists recently uncovered an 18th-century shipwreck in Norwegian waters containing the best-preserved cargo of its kind ever found in Northern Europe.The shipwreck's cargo is "unlike anything ever previously found in shipwrecks in Northern Europe," said Hanna Geiran, director of the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage.The organization announced the discovery earlier in June.The shipwreck was found by Espen Saastad, a watch designer who also operates a small remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and survey company.RARE CANNONBALL EMERGES FROM GROUND AT THE ALAMO, LIKELY UNTOUCHED FOR NEARLY 190 YEARSThe wreck lies about 1,970 feet beneath the surface in the Skagerrak Strait off Norway's southeastern coast, with pictures showing stacks of porcelain dishes and other artifacts resting on the ocean floor among the ship's remains.Geiran told Fox News Digital it's generally rare to find such well-preserved cargo from 18th-century ships.Archaeologists say a newly discovered shipwreck off Norway's southeastern coast contains one of the best-preserved cargoes ever found in Northern Europe.

(Espen Saastad og Norsk Maritimt Museum; Sindre Kinnerød Flash Studio AS)So far, large quantities of undamaged Chinese porcelain have been identified, together with parts of chandeliers, goblets, bottles and barrels of grain.CENTURIES-OLD PIRATE MYSTERY DEEPENS AFTER WRECKS ARE FOUND NEAR BAHAMAS HAVEN"Rows of crates have also been discovered but have not yet been examined," she said."One of these appears to contain textiles, while another has a range of organic material, which may include tea, herbs and medicines."Researchers identified quantities of Chinese porcelain and other luxury goods aboard the centuries-old shipwreck found beneath the Skagerrak Strait.(Sindre Kinnerød Flash Studio AS)The cargo is "very well-preserved, considering how old it is," Geiran added, though modern trawlers have damaged some parts of the wreck.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER...