Two Men Arrested for Looting Underwater Archaeological Site in Calafell

Mossos d'Esquadra seized ancient coins and jewelry during an illegal underwater survey off the coast of Tarragona.

Generic image of an underwater archaeological site with ancient coins.
IA

Generic image of an underwater archaeological site with ancient coins.

Mossos d'Esquadra arrested two individuals on August 24th for their alleged involvement in the looting of a high-value archaeological site located on the coast of Calafell, in the Baix Penedès region.

The individuals were caught red-handed conducting an underwater survey using metal detectors. The operation took place in an area known as an ancient anchoring ground, which hosts an archaeological site and an undocumented sunken vessel.
As a result of collaboration between the Mossos d'Esquadra, Maritime Police, and a Citizen Security patrol, approximately sixty ancient coins and various jewelry pieces were confiscated from the offenders.

"A judge in El Vendrell has ordered the provisional measure of prohibiting the two detainees from entering the underwater site, including the coast, within the municipality of Calafell."

A judge in El Vendrell
The judicial case has been opened and is currently under investigation for a crime against heritage. This action is part of the ongoing efforts to protect the region's underwater cultural heritage.