Rare coral found in expedition aboard 44.65m Feadship superyacht

A series of submersible dives deployed from the 44.65-metre (146-foot) Feadship superyacht Harle have resulted in a number of major historical and scientific discoveries.

The mission, organised by Cookson Adventures and a number of Europe’s leading marine scientists, saw the submersible deployed in the Gulf of Naples and Tyrrhenian Sea.

One major discovery was the existence of untouched Coralium ruburn populations. The rare red coral was found beneath the natural underwater cliff face of Sant’Angelo, 200 metres down. 

The red coral, which throughout history has been used for commodities such as jewellery, was found to be high density and was also in close proximity to healthy schools of sardines, bogues and anchovies.

The expedition also saw a number of historical discoveries, including a Roman shipwreck and its spilled amphora cargo off the coast of Capri, Italy. It was the first manned submersible dive on the wreck.

Elsewhere, there was the worrying scientific discovery of the ‘unprecedented’ growth in algae caused by the rise in sea temperatures. Dr. Nuria, marine ecologist, said, “These deeper dives offer a glimpse into how Mediterranean communities were in the past and provide a reference point for the future for conversation and scientific purposes.”

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Source: Boat International