A new documentary film titled "Submerged" has been presented, featuring experts from the Heritage Commission who analyze the significance of the discovery of the 18th-century Umluj shipwreck located off the Red Sea coastline. The special screening of this 10-minute documentary took place at the Cultural Square in the Jeddah Historical District. It follows the first fully Saudi-led marine archaeological mission to uncover and document the shipwreck, conducted in cooperation with the Jeddah Historical Program.
Exhibition and Artifacts
As part of the ceremony, an exhibition was held showcasing artifacts recovered from the wreck, offering visitors an immersive look at the Umluj shipwreck, which is situated 16 miles from the city of Umluj on the Saudi coast of the Red Sea. The ship's cargo included jars and several large storage vessels likely used for transporting water and foodstuffs, along with hundreds of small porcelain cups and bowls.
Documentary Insights
According to the Heritage Commission, the film aims to introduce underwater cultural heritage and highlight its importance, as well as shed light on efforts in marine research, documentation, and protection. It is also hoped that it will enhance community awareness of the value of this type of heritage and support its presence as a growing field of knowledge and culture.
Dr. Maged Al-Anizi, director of the Underwater Cultural Heritage department at the Saudi Heritage Commission, told Arab News: "This short, 10-minute documentary takes us on an exploratory journey to the depths of the Red Sea, revealing a hidden world that harbors a submerged human heritage yet to be fully explored." Describing the expedition as "unprecedented," he added: "It is a journey to discover our submerged heritage in the Red Sea. Accompanied by a team of researchers and explorers, we dive into the depths of the sea to uncover buried historical artifacts, such as sunken ships, pottery pieces, and archaeological remains that hold stories from the past."
Al-Anizi said the film focused on the challenges faced by the team during underwater excavations, highlighting research and documentation techniques, and asking how this cultural heritage can be preserved. "Between discoveries and dangers, the film reshapes our relationship with our maritime history, posing the question: What still lies hidden in the depths of our seas?" he said. "The Umluj shipwreck is considered as one of the most important sites discovered. It is an archaeological treasure."
Al-Anizi revealed that over 2,000 jars were discovered in the ship. The film was an exploratory documentary experience that addressed the efforts of research teams and divers in monitoring the archaeological evidence hidden beneath the waters of the Red Sea.
The wreck, lying at a depth of 22 meters, was discovered by chance about 20 years ago. The ship sank around the mid-18th century. Its cargo consisted of jars and several large storage vessels, likely used for transporting water and foodstuffs, as well as hundreds of small porcelain cups and bowls.
