2025 China-South Africa Cooperative Test excavation of the Miles Barton Shipwreck Site

In 2024, China and South Africa cooperated in the pre-disturbance underwater archaeological survey of the Miles Barton Wreck site (Case ID: 22278；Permit ID: 4012). Through archival research, archaeological surveys, and wood sampling identification (Case ID: 23526 Permit ID: 4231), the timber Hackmetack was identified from 3 samples of wood. Since the Miles Barton was the only shipwreck in the area constructed with that timber of North America, it was determined that the timber on the site should belong to the Miles Barton Shipwreck.
This proposal represents the second phase of the China-South Africa cooperation, and seeks approval for the archaeological test excavation of the 2024MBR-B-022 site, located on the beach near Ryspunt, Western Cape. An underwater archaeological comprehensive survey will also be conducted in its surrounding waters, as permitted in 2024, to get an understanding of the location, distribution and conservation of the shipwreck and cargos.