Researchers have identified the possible locations of nine shipwreck sites from World War I (WWI) along Morocco’s southern coast, offering a deeper look into the region’s maritime history.
The discovery, spanning from Morocco’s territorial waters to its exclusive economic zone, adds to ongoing efforts to document the country’s underwater heritage.
The sunken vessels came from Japan, Norway, France, England, Portugal and Italy. Experts believe German submarines attacked and sank them during World War I as part of an aggressive naval strategy targeting Allied ships. Both military and commercial vessels suffered heavy losses near Morocco’s shores.
Authorities have received detailed reports on the locations of the wrecks, though officials have not disclosed the exact identities of the ships. The discovery is expected to aid further archaeological research and heritage preservation efforts.
Expanding underwater research
The Assalam Association, a group focused on protecting Morocco’s maritime heritage, emphasized the importance of the find. The organization collaborates with both national and international institutions to enhance underwater research.
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Preliminary sites of nine historic ships sunk during the First World War have been located along the coast of southern Morocco, announced the Assalam Association for the Protection of Maritime Heritage.
The wrecks are located along the coast of southern Morocco, extending… pic.twitter.com/xnKBbOWgso— 𝕸𝖆𝖗𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖑 (@Arribatyy) February 17, 2025
Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Sciences (INSAP) has also taken steps to train specialists in this field. The institute organized the country’s first underwater archaeology training programs through international workshops in Dakhla.
In a move to promote research and safeguard these sites, the Assalam Association shared images and information about the recent discoveries on its social media platforms.
The Moroccan National Committee for Coordination, formed in 2014, continues to oversee partnerships between government agencies and experts in ocean mapping, exploration and marine conservation.
Past discoveries and global findings
Morocco has a history of uncovering significant wartime wrecks. More than a decade ago, researchers located the German imperial ship Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse, which sank near Dakhla. The vessel played a key role in its time, and its discovery contributed to historical records of naval warfare in the region.
Recent discoveries of World War I shipwrecks have also surfaced in other parts of the world. Last month, researchers found the German supply ship Titania near Chile’s coast.
In September, an offshore wind farm project detected a wreck suspected to be the World War I ship SS Tobol.
In November, experts in England confirmed that a shipwreck off Scotland’s coast was the British cruiser HMS Hawke, on which more than 500 crew members lost their lives.
Preserving Morocco’s maritime legacy
As efforts continue to explore and protect Morocco’s underwater heritage, researchers view these latest findings as an opportunity to deepen knowledge of maritime warfare and shipwreck archaeology.
The discoveries not only shed light on history but also reinforce the importance of preserving submerged cultural heritage for future generations.
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