Cap d’Agde: the replica of an ancient wreck to strengthen the underwater trail

Le module a été immergé dans le port en attendant son transfert vers la Plagette ce vendredi 14 juin. MIDI LIBRE – OLIVIER RAYNAUD

The module was launched this Thursday, June 13 at the Thon-Club quay. It will be towed on Friday June 14 to be transported to La Plagette.

For several weeks it has been sitting in front of the Maison de la mer, at the Old Port, arousing the curiosity of walkers and boaters. But this time, there it is: the replica of the ancient wreck discovered in 1982 by Denis Fonquerle off the coast of Rochelongue was submerged on Thursday June 13 by the lifting company Mediaco, based in Gigean.

A six-ton ​​wreck, larger than life

A first step for this module which weighs around six tonnes and which will be transferred this Friday, June 14, a few dozen meters from the sand of La Plagette, on the underwater path that thousands of vacationers take every summer . What “rebooster” somewhat this animation which only requires a mask and a snorkel – although the diving suit is sometimes appreciated! –, the wreck, which will be submerged three meters deep, being the last stage of this excursion under the waters of the Mediterranean.

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False amphorae, lead ingots, pottery…

"If the hull is an exact replica of the wreck as it was discovered, we have taken liberties with the placement of the amphorae, pottery and lead ingots", recognizes Édouard Chéré, who with his team ensures the correct installation of the module. "Tomorrow (this Friday the 14th  June), a team of divers will install oxygen balloons to raise it – it was submerged while waiting at the Thon-Club quay – then towed it towards Plagette", adds Édouard.
An operation which will undoubtedly take a few hours, because the maneuver is not necessarily easy, especially since it involves leaving the marina, turning out to sea and returning to the shore.

The replica of the wreck will spend the winter in the port

Although it will quickly be colonized by all kinds of marine species, this larger-than-life wreck is not intended to remain at sea after the tourist season. At only three meters deep, currents and surf cause damage and it may not withstand winter storms. Also, at the end of September, the module will be towed again and sheltered in the waters of the port of Cap d'Agde, until the following summer.