**Man Faces Charges in Mallorca After Alleged Shipwreck Looting During Scuba Dive**
A British expatriate in Mallorca has been arrested and formally charged after police accuse him of removing artefacts from an ancient shipwreck off the island’s coast. Authorities say the 39-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, was apprehended while still clad in his wetsuit, moments after surfacing from the water at Porto Cristo harbour. The incident took place on 22 May.
According to Guardia Civil officers, the diver came ashore with a neoprene bag strapped to his hip. During an inspection, police reportedly found several historical objects, including coins, an old screw, and what appeared to be metal plates—some of which are believed to be made of lead. He also carried a metal detector, a device strictly prohibited in protected heritage sites.
Police say the retrieved items are thought to originate from the renowned Ses Llumetes shipwreck, a Roman-era vessel which dates back to the 1st century AD. Discovered in recent years, the wreck is valued for its exceptional preservation; its wooden hull and surrounding cargo, which ranges from ceramics to construction materials, provide a rare and vital snapshot of early Mediterranean trade and shipbuilding techniques.
Legal protection surrounds the Ses Llumetes site due to its archaeological significance. The area is closely monitored by Spanish authorities because such relics are considered part of the country’s cultural patrimony. The man’s diving gear and all items found in his possession were confiscated on the spot, as police launched an investigation into the alleged plunder.
Officials from the Guardia Civil have since confirmed that the diver has not only been charged with offences related to violating Spain’s heritage protection laws, but has also received additional fines for breaching strict local regulations governing scuba diving. The use of metal detectors and the unauthorised recovery of underwater artefacts are prohibited across all registered archaeological sites in Spain.
The Ses Llumetes wreck, located just off the coast of Porto Cristo, has been extensively studied by maritime archaeologists. It stands out for its intact hull and an array of well-preserved items buried within a layer of volcanic ash, which has shielded the vessel from the ravages of time. Experts argue that unauthorised interference with such sites risks disrupting valuable scientific research and erasing precious historical context.
After questioning, the suspect was released from police custody but remains under investigation. Local expat communities have expressed concern over the arrest, with some urging newcomers to respect Spanish law, particularly in matters related to cultural heritage and environmental protection.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of preserving submerged sites intact, warning that even seemingly minor removal of objects can result in loss of vital archaeological data. The Spanish government continues to encourage both residents and visitors to comply with all rules regarding diving equipment and interaction with underwater historical locations.
This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between recreational activities and the safeguarding of world heritage. While Mallorca is popular among divers drawn to its rich marine history, officials stress that strict permissions are needed to explore or retrieve anything from registered wrecks.
As legal proceedings await, the fate of the confiscated artefacts and consequences facing the accused diver remain to be seen. The incident further highlights the persistent challenges faced by authorities in protecting underwater cultural treasures in the Mediterranean.