Alfred-Merlin Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

From December 11 to 15, 2023, the Department of Underwater and Underwater Archaeological Research (Drassm) took to the depths aboard the research vessel 'Alfred Merlin' to investigate the historic wreck known as 'Cap Sicié 4,' located off the shores of Toulon-La Seyne-Sur-Mer. Previously discovered in 2005 by Éric Alberola, this wreck was first examined by Drassm archaeologists in 2022, revealing a treasure trove of artifacts including numerous jars and three wooden jasle anchors, which suggest that the wreck dates back to the early 19th century. Situated 75 meters beneath the surface, the 'Cap Sicié 4' wreck poses challenges with limited working time for divers, necessitating meticulous planning for diver rotations. To facilitate an extensive exploration of the site and to perform comprehensive photogrammetry, divers utilized the Hilarion robot, an ROV operated remotely by a Drassm pilot. This dive operation received logistical support from the National Institute of Professional Diving, along with contributions from businesses KrakenPlongée and SeaTools. During the initial exploration in 2022, around 100 jars of various sizes, believed to have originated from Biot in the Alpes-Maritimes, were uncovered. These jars, used for transporting liquids and dry goods—such as oil, water, and flour—were shipped empty to the redistribution port at Marseille. Some jars from the 'Cap Sicié 4' wreck were ingeniously filled with ceramic culinary items like Vallauris pots and frying pans during transport to optimize loading. The jars showed a lack of stamps and distinctive foot shapes, reinforcing their proposed dating to the early 1800s. The latest expedition focused on the meticulous assessment of the loading organization by Drassm archaeologists, observing how jars were distributed, positioned, and packaged. Detailed photographs and complete photogrammetry of the site and artifacts were captured, with several jars and pieces of tableware taken for laboratory analysis. This phase of research involves collaboration with the ARKAIA Institute of Mediterranean Archeology at Aix-Marseille University, which associates itself with the Laboratory of Medieval and Modern Archeology in the Mediterranean (CNRS-LA3M), alongside the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean and the French Navy. The wreck of 'Cap Sicié 4' stands out as the first site in the French Mediterranean to preserve an almost intact cargo. Plans for a traveling exhibition are in motion, aiming to showcase this significant local heritage, retracing the commercial journey formerly taken from the Alpes-Maritimes to the Bouches-du-Rhône through the Var region.