Mystery ship found in the Algarve

A wooden ship found beneath the River Arade is being studied by archaeologists, but where it came from and what it was used for are still unknown.

By Tereza Pedro, in News, Algarve · 04 Oct 2026, 14:04 · 0 Comments

Around 25 metres of the wooden structure remain on the riverbed at the GEO 5 archaeological site, close to Ferragudo.

Archaeologists believe the vessel dates from the 19th century based on the way it was built, although much about its history remains unknown.

Nautical archaeology

José Bettencourt, coordinator of the National Centre for Nautical and Underwater Archaeology (CNANS), presented the latest findings at the Museu de Portimão on 1 October as part of the MUSA project.

Speaking to Barlavento, Bettencourt explained that researchers have found similarities with other ships from the 19th century, but they still do not know where the vessel came from or what it was used for.

The wreck itself is not a new discovery, but archaeologists were able to see more of it during the latest campaign.

More of the structure was exposed, and better visibility allowed the team to examine it in greater detail. Photography and video were also used to create a three-dimensional model of the remains.

Much of the upper part of the vessel has disappeared due to erosion and tidal activity, while the sections covered by sediment are better preserved.

The wreck has never been excavated.

So far, archaeologists have only studied the visible parts of the ship without excavating the riverbed. The first excavation work is planned for May 2027.

Researchers hope that material still buried around or inside the wreck could help them understand what the ship was carrying, how it was used and where it came from.

Geographical origin

The wood will also be analysed for clues about its geographical origin, while metal pieces collected from the site will undergo chemical analysis.

The ship is one of several archaeological sites being studied in the Arade as part of the MUSA project.

The project focuses on underwater heritage across the river's estuary in Portimão and Lagoa, where archaeological remains cover around two thousand years of maritime history.

Portugal's Património Cultural confirms that the sites being investigated include GEO 1, with remains dating back to Roman times, the 16th-century Arade 1, and the 19th-century GEO 5 and Arade 23. Researchers are also studying the Portuguese Navy gunboat Faro, which sank in 1912.

At the Arade B anchorage, finds cover an even wider period. Barlavento reports that Roman amphorae are among the oldest visible remains, while material recovered during dredging in the 1970s includes finds dating back to the Iron Age.

Preserving remains

The MUSA project represents an investment of around €3.475 million and is financed through the Algarve 2030 regional programme. It brings together Portimão and Lagoa councils, CNANS and the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve).

As well as studying and preserving the archaeological remains, the project aims to make the Arade's underwater heritage more accessible through science, education, culture and sustainable tourism.

For the wooden ship near Ferragudo, many questions are still unanswered, but the excavation planned for next year could help archaeologists learn more about its origin and history.