Nine WWI shipwrecks discovered off Morocco’s southern coast

A Moroccan maritime heritage association has uncovered the locations of nine shipwrecks from World War I along the southern coast of Morocco, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of global maritime history.

The vessels, lost over a century ago, originated from various nations, including Japan, Norway, France, Britain, Portugal, and Italy. According to the Assalam Association for the Protection of Maritime Heritage, these shipwrecks are linked to German submarine warfare during the First World War, which targeted allied military and commercial vessels, resulting in significant losses off Morocco’s shores.

To protect these historically significant sites and promote further research, the association has provided detailed reports and preliminary coordinates for each shipwreck to the National Coordination Committee for Hydrography, Oceanography, and Marine Cartography. The reports include historical insights and technical details about the ships.

This recent discovery aligns with Morocco’s ongoing efforts to document its underwater heritage. Previous initiatives include the identification of the wreck of Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse, a German imperial vessel sunk near Dakhla, and the launch of UNESCO’s first program dedicated to maritime heritage. Additionally, the country has hosted the International Coastal Forum to further these efforts.

The Assalam Association has worked closely with both national and international organizations to expand knowledge in the field of underwater archaeology. Notably, Morocco conducted its first specialized training sessions in collaboration with the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Sciences (INSAP), as part of international workshops held in Dakhla.

The association has called on authorities to support a recent agreement signed in Dakhla on October 15, 2024. This agreement, involving African institutions, aims to establish the city as a regional hub for maritime heritage conservation.

This discovery follows another milestone in January, when Morocco’s National Center for Studies and Research on Underwater Heritage announced the identification of two historic shipwrecks near El Jadida. These 19th-century metal vessels were found in separate locations—one near the city’s beach and the other close to the port entrance. Preliminary analysis indicates they date back to a period when El Jadida’s port played a pivotal role in Morocco’s trade.

Morocco’s commitment to uncovering and preserving its underwater heritage continues to position the nation as a significant player in maritime archaeology, honoring its rich history while advancing global research on submerged cultural artifacts.