Archaeologists know little of how these massive ships were designed and built, except what they're learning from this wreck, she said. So far, they've uncovered a wide variety of porcelain, pottery, copper cookware, glass bottles plants, including coffee beans and 30 coconuts. Haldane has spent the past two summers leading an international team of archaeologists as they excavate the shipwreck. The days start at 6 a.m. They live in dormitory-style tents 20 minutes from the nearest town.
Fresh water is hauled out to the camp every few days.
Dehydration is their biggest enemy. It's tedious but at the same time I find it incredibly rewarding because it provides a connection to our human history and experience. This summer will be the team's last at Sadana Island, Haldane said. They plan to complete their excavation and move on to other wrecks. In March, they conducted a shipwreck survey of Egypt's northwest coast, a survey they'll continue in September.