Bulgarian Antarctic mission to explore underwater archaeology

Scientists on Bulgaria’s Antarctic mission will carry out underwater archaeological research for the first time. Their programme will also include studies of volcanic ash, seismology and how human skin adapts to conditions on the frozen continent. A new seismic station is also planned for Snow Island.

“Dozens of sites on land have been studied so far, but not a single shipwreck. We have information about four British and two American ships wrecked in shallow waters at various locations around the islands,” said Dr Dragomir Garbov. He added that the wrecks have considerable archaeological potential. The project aims to locate and document as many maritime heritage sites as possible and develop a methodology for further research over the long term.

The Bulgarian expedition members will work on 18 research projects and contribute to six others in cooperation with countries on different continents. Bulgaria’s naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii is expected to set sail in early November for the country’s 35th Antarctic expedition.

• Bulgaria to launch 35th Antarctic expedition for 2026-2027 season

Editor: Diana Tsankova