Shipwreck Off Kenya May Be Da Gama's São Jorge

A shipwreck off the coast of Kenya, potentially linked to Vasco da Gama's last voyage, has researchers excited about its historical significance. The vessel, believed to be the São Jorge, sank in 1524 and may be the earliest European shipwreck discovered in the Indian Ocean. Archaeologists, led by Filipe Castro from the University of Coimbra, are conducting further analysis to confirm its identity, with plans for an archaeological survey along the coral reefs near Malindi. The wreck, found in 2013, lies about 1,640 feet from shore at a depth of roughly 20 feet and is mostly obscured by coral, with recovered timbers providing clues to its origins. If verified, this discovery would illuminate the maritime history of the region and underscore the impact of da Gama's explorations, which established crucial trade routes between Europe and Asia. Local communities are involved in protecting the site, emphasizing the importance of preserving this underwater archaeological treasure.