At least ten ships, described as ancient, medieval and from the nineteenth century, were recently discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea. According to experts with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Oceanology), the ships were found when the Institute was exploring the proposed underwater route for the South Stream gas pipeline project.

South Stream, a Russian-sponsored project, was going to be built for the purpose of transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe and included a lengthy underwater section between the Russian and Bulgarian coasts. Ultimately the South Steam project was terminated because of noncompliance issues with EU environmental regulations, but the potential for underwater archaeology discoveries remains.

The most interesting find according to experts is what appears to be a Greek galley, based on the typical arched bow visibly sticking out of the silt, lying on the bottom of the Black Sea in the Bulgarian enterprise zone. Galleys are low, flat ships with up to three banks of oars and one or more sails. They’re known as the favored ships of pirates. Unfortunately, this galley was found at 1,400 meters, making it inaccessible to divers.