19th-Century Shipwreck Found in Bulgaria’s Bird Bay

An underwater archaeological survey in Taukliman Bay (Bird Bay), near Cape Kaliakra, has uncovered the remains of a previously unknown 19th-century Western European wooden ship, likely built in England. The discovery, made by a National Museum of History (NMH) team led by Prof. Ivan Hristov in June 2025, adds to the region's rich archaeological record, which includes ancient settlements, a Late Antiquity necropolis, and a 6th-century fortress linked to Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great, CE Report quotes BTA

Researchers also found amphora fragments and medieval ceramics, confirming the bay’s use in the 13th century. The shipwreck, now classified as a cultural asset under Bulgarian law and UNESCO conventions, is protected by the Border Police to prevent looting. The survey is part of a broader NMH initiative to document ancient harbours along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.