Two archaeological shipwrecks were discovered off the coast of El Jadida (200km south of Rabat), the National Center for Studies and Research on Underwater Heritage, under the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, announced.

The shipwrecks consist of two metal vessels, one near El Jadida’s beach and the other close to the port’s entrance, the Center pointed out in a press release.

Preliminary descriptions of the wrecks suggest that these ships likely date back to the second half of the 19th century, a period marking the peak of activity at El Jadida’s old port, which was then considered one of Morocco’s key commercial ports.

Historical records and maritime maps indicate multiple maritime accidents at the entrance to El Jadida’s port, leading to the sinking of several ships, including L’Alcyne , Le Papin , Le Maroc , La Marne , and L’Amazone .

These accidents were primarily attributed to the port’s challenging access, particularly before the construction of breakwaters, as well as unfavorable weather conditions.