Galleon San Francisco – International Underwater Archaeology Forum

In Search of the Elusive Spanish Galleon Ship “San Francisco”

iuaforum — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 01:38:05 +0000

The San Francisco was a Spanish galleon that sank off the coast of Onjuku in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, in 1609. As part of the Manila Galleon trade route, which was discovered by Spanish maritime explorer Andrés de Urdaneta in 1565, this ship played a crucial role in connecting the Spanish colonies in the Philippines with New Spain (modern-day Mexico). The route was integral to the exchange of goods such as silver, spices, and textiles across the Pacific and was intended to be used by San Francisco on its return trip to New Spain.

Figure 1: Route from Philippines to Acapulco, New Spain (Mexico)

In July 1609, the San Francisco set sail from Cavite, Philippines, under the command of Rodrigo de Vivero, the former provisional governor of the Philippines. Its destination was Acapulco, New Spain (modern-day Mexico), but the journey was fraught with danger. Significantly off-course from its planned voyage on the Manila Galleon trade route, the galleon faced relentless storms and eventually succumbed to a violent typhoon near Japan’s coast. On the night of September 30, after 65 days at sea, the San Francisco ran aground near Iwawada (modern-day Onjuku) in Chiba Prefecture.

Figure 2 : 3D Concept Model of Galleon San Francisco

Figure 3: Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Figure 4: Approximate route of the San Francisco from the Philippines to Japan

Survival and Aid from Japan
Out of approximately 400 people on board, about 300 survived the wreck. These survivors, including Rodrigo de Vivero, were met with remarkable hospitality from the locals. Female divers, known as Ama (海女), helped the survivors of the galleon who were washed ashore by warming their bodies with their own along with providing food and clothing.

Following the rescue efforts from the local population of Onjuku, Vivero was invited to meet the Shogun’s son, Tokugawa Hidetada, at Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and later with the Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, at Sunpu Castle in Suruga Province (modern-day Shizuoka Prefecture). It is noted in Vivero’s accounts that he was shown great hospitality and received excellent treatment during his journey.

Meeting the Shogun, Vivero played a pivotal role in fostering diplomatic relations between Spain and Japan, marking an early and significant interaction between the two nations. Ieyasu ensured that the survivors were cared for and facilitated their safe return to New Spain. The return ship given to Vivero, named San Buena Ventura, was the first Western-style ship to ever be made within Japan and was constructed under the directions of Ieyasu’s advisor and English navigator, William Adams. In 1610, Vivero had used the ship to return back to New Spain carrying along a crew of 22 Japanese.

Figure 5: Statue of the San Buena Ventura ship at Anjin Memorial Park. Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where the construction of the ship took place in 1607.

This event also highlighted Japan’s role in international relations during the Edo period, where they cautiously interacted with foreign nations despite their isolationist policies. The Spanish survivors’ positive experience paved the way for negotiations concerning trade and mutual aid between Spain and Japan.

In 1611, Sebastian Vizcaino, an envoy of Spain for King Philip III, had visited Japan to gift Ieyasu a gift from the king. The clock was a sign of gratitude crafted in 1581 by a Spanish clockmaker, Hans de Evalo. The clock is currently stored in Kunozan Toshogu and was noted to be Ieyasu’s favorite personal item.

Figure 6: Clock gifted to Tokugawa Ieyasu from Spain

The Treasure Hunt and Archaeological Mystery
The San Francisco carried valuable cargo intended for trade. Following the wreck, local villagers salvaged what they could from the ship, and rumors about treasure onboard attracted treasure hunters throughout the centuries. Despite these efforts and several archaeological investigations, the remains of the ship and much of its cargo have never been conclusively found. Some artifacts are believed to have washed away or been claimed by the sea, while others may still lie buried beneath sand and rock, awaiting discovery.

Ongoing Investigations
Modern archaeological efforts have focused on potential wreck sites around Onjuku, particularly in Tajiri Cove, where it is believed that parts of the ship drifted ashore. It is also hypothesized that any remains would be covered by a thick layer of sediment due to the terrain and high current of the waters. Our investigations, then, would begin at Onjuku and we aim to provide regular updates on the progress of our research, bringing to light the historical and cultural significance of this maritime disaster. By unearthing the San Francisco’s legacy, we hope to reveal new insights into the Manila-Acapulco trade route and its lasting impact on global history.

Figure 7: The coast of Onjuku, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

For our investigation, we appreciate any and all resources that could assist us in this goal. Please join the forum below or contact us directly by filling out the contact form here: Contact Us.

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Ecosystem Function Survey of Seagrass Beds in Mindanao, Philippines

iuaforum — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:35:01 +0000

As a collaborative researcher for the University of Tokyo, four underwater surveys were conducted since 2014 at Mindanao, Philippines as part of an investigative project titled ‘Clarifying the Ecosystem Functions of Seagrass Beds as Bio-Shields Against Environmental Disturbances’.
By using acoustic survey systems, an underwater topographic survey map of the seabed was created by capturing the seagrass beds on the seafloor.

Beginning the Survey at Mindanao Island

A survey ship was chartered on the location and survey equipment was installed.

When beginning the survey on 2014, a video footage of local dugongs were successfully captured. As dugong populations in the Philippine Sea are highly cautious and never return to areas with close human contact, this rare instance of video capture was the first in Mindanao.

Image of seagrass on the seabed

Seagrass bed survey through diving

Image of dugong through video capture

Scenes from the 2017 Survey

A video that includes the survey scenery, drone and ROV (underwater drone) from the 2017 survey has been released.

Survey ship as seen from a drone

15 second video of the survey scenery

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Federated States of Micronesia Nan Madol Ruins Investigation

iuaforum — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 01:54:01 +0000

The Nan Madol ruins are located off the coast of Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia. The site consists of 95 artificial islands of various sizes, built from basalt and other materials, scattered over an area of approximately 1.5 x 0.7 km. According to archaeological studies, the construction of the artificial islands began around the year 500 AD. A network of canals runs between the islands, and it is believed that people used canoes to travel between them via these waterways. The Nan Madol ruins serve as evidence of a grand ancient dynasty that once existed on Pohnpei Island and remain a sacred place for the local inhabitants to this day.

Underwater Archaeological Survey

In February 2013, a team consisting of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, the University of Tokyo, and the Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage conducted an underwater archaeological investigation at the Nan Madol site, located on Pohnpei Island, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. The team created a 3D detailed underwater topographic map using a sonar depth finder, captured underwater images with a robotic camera, and performed a rock survey through scuba diving. These data will serve as foundational materials for future research on Nan Madol.

Additionally, although the Nan Madol ruins were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016, they were also listed on the list of World Heritage in Danger.

Nad Madol Ruins

Findings Presented at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage

In May 2014, the “Asia-Pacific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage,” where scholars involved in underwater archaeology presented their latest research findings, was held at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Together with Dr. Hiroshi Ishimura from the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, who led the investigation, results of the research were presented.

Underwater Topographic Map

Video of the Underwater Topographic Map

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Luxury Liner Scandinavia Sunk at a Depth of 72 Meters on the Seafloor

iuaforum — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 01:38:01 +0000

The former luxury liner Scandinavia (127 meters in length, 5,105 tons), which was cherished as a floating hotel at Numazu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture for many years, was sold to a Swedish company for refurbishment. While being towed toward Shanghai, China, the vessel sank approximately 3 kilometers northwest of Shio Misaki in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. In light of this event, our local company, along with concerned stakeholders and the community, decided to conduct an investigation with great care.

Investigation Using Cutting-Edge Technology

The survey commenced on September 12, 2006, at noon, under light rain and mild winds, with slight waves on the surface. For this investigation, we employed the advanced multi-beam acoustic depth measurement system, one of the few ultrasonic-based survey instruments available nationwide at that time. This equipment covers 120 degrees perpendicular to the ship while emitting 240 ultrasonic beams simultaneously. The depth measurement beam outputs data at a resolution of 6mm, generating depth readings 40 times per second. This system also captures reflection intensity data simultaneously, allowing for a precise examination of the underwater topography.

Despite poor visibility conditions that made it difficult for underwater cameras to capture images, we were able to visualize the submerged vessel effectively.

Survey Results and Findings

The survey revealed that the Scandinavia had settled onto a sandy seabed, slightly tilted to port side but overall undamaged, resting flat on the sea floor. The ship’s hull was submerged between 1.5 to 2 meters deep in the sand.

Captured the hull submerged on the seabed

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Discovery of the Manned Torpedo “Kairyu”

iuaforum — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 01:38:02 +0000

Through precision, high-accuracy sonar technology, our team has discovered the Kairyu, a special attack submarine used by the former Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. The investigation involved underwater drone footage and diver-operated filming to examine the submarine in full detail. The Kairyu was found on the seafloor, and it is believed that it ran aground near Susaki while attempting to enter Shimoda Port after departing from Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, shortly before the war’s end.

According to data from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Kairyu measures 17.28 meters in length and 1.39 meters in diameter, matching the dimensions derived from our sonar analysis.

Manned torpedo “Kairyū” displayed using precision high-accuracy acoustic sonar

Video footage of the submarine captured from an ROV

Scuba divers capturing photos and video

**Discovery of a Second Kairyu Submarine**

In July 2021, six years after the first discovery, another survey was conducted in the same area. This time, a second Kairyu submarine was found just 650 meters southeast of the original site. Using high-precision sonar to map the seabed, the team pinpointed the exact location of the second submarine and successfully captured it on underwater drone footage.

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Discovery of a Former Japanese Army Trainer Aircraft Submerged at the Bottom of Towada Lake

iuaforum — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 01:38:03 +0000

Aircraft Discovered on the Seafloor of Lake Towada

In a groundbreaking survey conducted between July 12 and August 12, 2010, Windy Network’s Marine Research Division uncovered a submerged aircraft at the bottom of Lake Towada. This marked a significant discovery during a comprehensive seafloor mapping project of the lake, located in northern Japan.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Discovery

Using advanced sonar technology and the company’s proprietary software, 3D-GeoLet, the team generated a detailed 3D image of Lake Towada. Early in the survey, sonar data revealed the shape of a small airplane resting on the lakebed, leading to immediate follow-up investigations.

3D images of Lake Towada generated by our software, 3D-GeoLet

An underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was deployed to the site, where researchers confirmed the discovery of a Japanese Army Type 1 twin-engine advanced trainer aircraft from World War II. This find was particularly poignant, as it occurred on August 15, just days before the 65th anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of the war.

Surveying began early in the morning

Survey conducted with 2 boats

During the investigation, the ultrasonic measurement data confirmed the shape of a small airplane submerged on the lakebed

Survey data shows a clear shape of the airplane

Deploying an ROV to the area of discovery

Preservation in Pristine Condition

At a depth of around 45 meters, where the water temperature is approximately 4°C, the cold, nutrient-poor conditions of the lake prevented significant biological decay. The aircraft remained in nearly perfect condition, with minimal corrosion, an astonishing find considering its decades-long submersion. The markings of Japan’s national insignia, the Hinomaru, were still clearly visible on the tail section.

Tail wing

Confirming the Rising Sun

Vertical stabilizer

Discovered a former Imperial Army Type 1 Twin-Engine Advanced Trainer submerged on the lakebed.

Press Coverage and Public Interest

A press conference was held on August 12, 2010, at the Technology Interface Center of Toyo Corporation to announce the discovery. The news was picked up by NHK, as well as major Japanese TV shows like Miyaneya and Super J Channel. The discovery generated considerable public interest due to its historical importance and the rarity of such well-preserved artifacts from World War II.

Successful Recovery Efforts

Two years later, on September 5, 2012, a collaborative effort between Windy Network, Seiyo Construction Company, and the Aomori Prefectural Misawa Aviation & Science Museum led to the successful recovery of the aircraft. After meticulous planning and a second recovery attempt, the plane was carefully raised from the lakebed and brought ashore, revealing the full extent of the aircraft’s size and condition.

Recovery plan from airplane blueprint

Careful recovery from underwater

Right wing and body recovered

Evident that the aircraft is quite large

Participation in press conference as the discoverer

Exhibition and Legacy

The recovered aircraft was later displayed at the Aomori Prefectural Misawa Aviation & Science Museum, with an opening exhibition in December 2012. This event attracted visitors and media attention alike, as the preserved aircraft became a symbol of both local and national history. Interviews with the discovery team and reports were featured in various magazines and publications, further cementing the significance of this historical recovery.

The discovery and subsequent recovery of the aircraft from Lake Towada is a testament to the enduring legacy of World War II and the importance of underwater archaeology in preserving history.

Misawa Aviation & Science Museum

The cockpit of the recovered plane

The full body of the recovered plane

Interview

Appearance in magazine and weekly publications

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Discovery of a U.S. Fighter Jet Submerged at the Seafloor of Amami Oshima

iuaforum — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:38:04 +0000

Discovery of U.S. Fighter Jet at the Seafloor of Amami Oshima

In a joint venture with Setouchi Town, the first-ever underwater survey of the Oshima Strait has led to the discovery of what is believed to be a U.S. military fighter jet, likely a Lockheed P-47, from World War II. The jet was found on the seafloor, where it is thought to be one of over 60 American aircraft pursued by the Japanese military in July 1945. The survey employed multi-beam sonar measurements and underwater robot cameras.

As Part of a Social Contribution Initiative

The research was conducted over a 10-day period, following a proposal to Setouchi Town for a no-cost survey, which the town readily accepted. Local divers had previously reported sightings, which were used as the basis for the investigation. Using sonar equipment, the team located objects on the seafloor, and almost immediately after starting the survey, they detected a signal. An underwater robot camera was deployed, confirming the presence of the aircraft at a depth of 45 meters, overturned.

Underwater Drone Footage Released at Press Conference

At a press conference following the investigation, footage from the underwater drone was shown, capturing the aircraft resting on the sandy seafloor. Although the tail section was missing, the wings were still intact. A representative from Setouchi Town expressed excitement over the discovery, noting that it was a groundbreaking find, both from a historical verification standpoint and as evidence of a U.S. military aircraft.

It is believed that many more artifacts remain in the Oshima Strait, and this discovery could play a significant role in further examining the area’s wartime history.

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