Ancient Egyptian “Pleasure Boat” Discovered Off Alexandria Marks Historic Maritime Find

The discovery was led by underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), working in collaboration with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. According to Goddio, this is the first time such a vessel has ever been discovered in Egypt, providing tangible evidence of ancient descriptions of lavish boats used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

“This is a unique find,” Goddio said, noting that the vessel’s design and features align with depictions of ceremonial barges described by ancient writers such as Strabo.

Preliminary analysis indicates that the wooden hull, approximately 35 metres (115 feet) long and 7 metres (23 feet) wide, was powered by oars and may have included a decorated cabin where elite passengers could relax during voyages. Greek graffiti found on parts of the ship suggest it may have belonged to a Hellenised Egyptian owner during the Roman era.

The ship was discovered in what was once Alexandria’s bustling royal harbour, an area that gradually sank following a series of earthquakes in antiquity. Divers exploring the site found the remains of the hull resting amid collapsed temple columns and statues, hinting that it may have sunk following a catastrophic event that damaged the city’s waterfront.

Reports from outlets such as The Guardian, Newsweek, and Egyptian Streets confirm that the vessel was located near structures long associated with the temple of Isis, strengthening the theory that it may have been used in religious processions or royal festivities.

Archaeologists are now carefully documenting and conserving the remains. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the maritime traditions of ancient Alexandria, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences in both craftsmanship and purpose.

The site continues to be a focus of ongoing underwater research, with experts hoping to uncover additional artefacts that can reveal how such vessels were constructed, operated, and maintained. For the diving and archaeological community, this represents not only a historical breakthrough but also a reminder of the untold stories still hidden beneath Egypt’s coastal waters.