A 2008 diamond dig in the southern part of Namibia’s Spergabiet Desert revealed the wreckage of a 16th century ship on African soil. It has been identified as the ‘Bom Jesus’. The ship was Portuguese and is believed to have been lost during a trade voyage to India in 1533. It had been buried in the desert for nearly 500 years.
The ship lost its way and crashed on the Skeleton Coast. The area is known for its fog, high waves and dangerous sand dunes. When diamond miners at Namdeb discovered pieces of wood and rusted metal, they began an unprecedented excavation.
The Department of Archaeology found more than 2,000 gold coins, ivory, copper, weapons and navigational equipment from the ship. The dry climate of the Namib Desert and the layers of wind-blown sand had sealed the wreck in a natural coffin.
The entire case was led by South African scientist Dr. Dieter Noli, who worked closely with Namibian officials and heritage agencies to ensure the shipwreck was safely removed and recorded.
