Archaeologists Discover More Than 200-Year-Old Shipwreck In Mexico's Caribbean

Mexico's National Institute Of Anthropology And History (INAH) revealed that Mexican archaeologists have found the remains of a 200-year-old shipwreck off the country's sparkling Caribbean coast.

The remains of the sailing ship were located off the coast of Quintana Roo state. It reportedly sank more than 200 years ago after hitting a reef.

LAURA CARRILLO M?RQUEZ

Most of the ship¡¯s wood has rotten away as can be seen in the video here. But ship¡¯s cannon and anchor are preserved.

The wreck has been named after the fisherman who first spotted it - Manuel Polanco. He reported his finding to Mexico's National Archaeological Institute.

The wreck was found about 35 km from Majahual on Mexico's Caribbean coast, in the waters of the Banco Chinchorro atoll reef. It is believed to be from 18th or the 19th century.

LAURA CARRILLO M?RQUEZ

The archaeologists think that the ship might have sunk after hitting the Chinchorro Bank, also known as ¡®Nightmare reef¡¯ or ¡®Sleep-robbing reef¡¯. It was called so because it posed dangers to seafarers.

LAURA CARRILLO M?RQUEZ

Mexico has declared the area an underwater cultural heritage site because of the many wrecks which can be found there, including two Spanish galleons.

INAH have reportedly identified an anchor, a cannon, and pig iron ingots, among the remains of the shipwreck in question.

This is reportedly the 70th ship wreck of its kind found in the area.