Amidst a construction site in Torhoutsesteenweg in Ostend, the remains of a Burgundian transport ship from the 15th century were discovered, the city announced in a press release Monday.
The Flemish Heritage Agency took samples to ascertain the shipwreck’s origins. The laboratory analysis revealed that the ship was used to transport goods and was quite large based on the thickness and density of the wood planks, which were eight centimetres thick.
“Very few of these boats have come down to us through the ages,” Kurt Claeys, alderman of spatial planning, said. “It is, therefore, a particularly interesting and unique discovery that is exciting to archaeologists."
Translation of tweet: "Unique archaeological find in Ostend. The Heritage Agency has found the remains of a fifteenth-century Burgundian freighter. The remains are being kept 'in situ' at Torhoutse Steenweg 133 in Ostend."
However, the wreck will not be unearthed and rather will be kept on the site of discovery. This means that the construction developers will have to review their plans to avoid the area. It will also preserve most of the historical archaeological information and save the city from spending on removal and transportation.
