Remains of watercraft reported from Kedah archaeological site

Archaeologists in Malaysia working at the Sungei Batu archaeological site have reportedly discovered the remains of several shipwrecks, but funds are lacking to investigate further. The finds are consistent with previous work at the site which has uncovered the presence of jetties and the former river in the area.

Ancient Ships Discovered At Sungai Batu Archaeological Site
Bernama, 31 August 2015

Ancient shipwrecks find may force a rewrite of SEA history
The Star, 02 September 2015

Using ground penetrating radar, archaelogists have discovered outlines of more than five ships between 5m and 10m underground at the Sungai Batu Archaelogical Site, near Semeling, about 20km from here.

“This was once an ancient river with a width of about 100m and a depth of 30m. Now it is a swampy wetland,” said archaelogical team member Azman Abdullah.

Signs of the first shipwreck was unearthed in 2011 not far from the ruins of a jetty made of flattish square bricks.

“We dug until we found a 2m-long mast head lying horizontally. The wood had softened but it was still miraculously well preserved.

“We were excited and dug through the wet mud every day,” said Azman, 54. To the team’s horror, the excavation pit collapsed in 2012 after they reached a depth of 5m.

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