Egypt has successfully recovered three large artifacts from the Mediterranean Sea off Abu Qir, marking the country's first underwater cultural heritage excavation in 25 years, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Thursday. The operation was carried out as part of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Initiative, with Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, the Commander of the Navy, and the Commander of the Northern Military Region attending. Recovered pieces include a massive quartz sphinx statue bearing the cartouche of Ramses II, a granite statue from the late Ptolemaic period, and a white marble Roman nobleman statue. Some artifacts will remain in place underwater to preserve their historical value. Minister Fathy emphasised Egypt's adherence to UNESCO conventions on protecting underwater cultural heritage. "This event sends a strong message that Egypt is committed to preserving its rich heritage while enhancing its global tourism profile," he said. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the Abu Qir site contains submerged structures likely lost over centuries due to geological shifts or earthquakes. Surveys indicate the area was a fully equipped Roman-era city, including temples, water reservoirs, fish ponds, and a 125-metre-long pier. The discovery, supported by extensive local and international media coverage, also included amphorae, royal statues, ushabti figurines, coins spanning Ptolemaic to Islamic periods, and remnants of an ancient commercial ship. The statement said the operation demonstrates strong coordination among Egypt's institutions in safeguarding the country's archaeological heritage, with further underwater explorations planned. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
