ARCHAEOLOGISTS discovered ominous shipwrecks on the "skeleton coast" in Namibia.
Florida: Archaeologists discover ‘treasure’ at Atocha shipwreck
The fascinating region within the southern African country is littered with archaeological wonders, including a number of shipwrecks and carcasses of long-dead animals. Many wrecks languishing on the coast have been destroyed, but some are still visible. One vessel left on the beaches of Namibia is The Suiderkus, which has mostly disintegrated. However, a large portion of the hull remains, and has become a popular sight for photographers. It's one of the most visible and relatively accessible wrecks along the coast.
Another vessel left in the same region is the Dunedin Star – which left Liverpool during World War 2 to supply Britain and its allies with ammunition and other supplies.
The ship carried 21 passengers as they tried to evade London during the conflict.
But when the vessel reached the Skeleton Coast, it hit an underwater obstacle and was left grounded 500 metres from shore.
The rescue efforts also led to disaster, as a plane sent to offer supplies crashed into the sea and a tugboat failed to reach survivors.
Both vehicles can be seen on the coast today.
The Edouard Bohlen is the best known wreck left on Skeleton Coast, grounded in the middle of the desert 500 metres from the coast.
It was a German cargo ship which was travelling to Cape Town in 1907.
Years later, the coastline changed and the desert began to encroach on the ocean. Once stranded at sea, the wreck slowly began what appeared to be a trek inland.
The Skeleton Coast is located on the other part of the Atlantic coast, south of neighbouring Angola.
READ MORE: Archaeology: Discovery of WW2 shipwreck unveiled 'hidden secrets'
The Bushmen of Namibia have called the region "The Land God Made in Anger", while Portuguese sailors once referred to it as "The Gates of Hell".
One wreck left on the coast remains unidentified.
After almost two years, international archaeologists and conservators successfully salvaged the wreck believed to be of a 16th century Portuguese ship that lay undisturbed for 500 years near Oranjemund.
The sunken ship's rich treasure included a total of 2,266 gold and silver coins that were found underneath its planks.
DON'T MISS
Archaeology: Divers found Winston Churchill's WW2 treasure [INSIGHT]
Archaeology breakthrough: 'Awesome' shipwreck identified from space [ANALYSIS]
Archaeology breakthrough: Shipwreck found in 'undiscovered world' [INSIGHT]
They largely consisted of Portuguese and Spanish gold coins, and are presently in safe custody at the Bank of Namibia.
The shipwreck was discovered by a Namdeb worker, Kapaandu Shatika on April, 1, 2008.
Namibia has been the setting of numerous finds, including a vessel named Bom Jesus, which set sail from Lisbon in 1533 and disappeared with its entire crew on board near the diamond mining town of Oranjemund.
The vessel was discovered in the pit of a drained lagoon, and in 2016 the gold was found six days into an excavation among bones and navigational tools.
The coast where the ship was found has the nickname Sperrgebiet — meaning "forbidden zone" in German.
Kim Jong-un steps up war on sex by EXILING North Korea teenager for watching pornography
EU's vaccine war against UK to quickly backfire on Brussels amid fears of economic panic
Russia threat: Britain's new spy ship will protect undersea cables from attack
EU infighting erupts: Germany turns on France over vaccines as MP blasts 'meddling' Macron
Young Earth creationism: Bible expert challenges dinosaur extinction 66 million years ago
How a chance meeting in Vegas led to a fairytale for actress-turned-countess AJ Langer
Harry Kane wants to leave Tottenham as Daniel Levy makes transfer decision
Prince Harry warned his ‘attack’ on Prince Charles will BACKFIRE by royal expert
Coronation Street spoilers: Natasha to confess love for Nick and ruin chance with Leanne?
Russia launches ‘hunting season’ on Putin dissidents in Britain - terror warning
EU starts all-out vaccine war: Merkel and Macron back UK export ban - major supplies alert
Donald Trump mocks Biden’s Air Force One fall at event - ‘Didn’t lose to him'
Bill Gates offers crucial advice to next generation - 'Be open to ideas that seem wild'
Donald Trump’s niece Mary takes aim at Ivanka amid political rumours - ‘No skills'
'Completely crackers!' Macron's U-turns over France’s vaccine rollout savaged by expert
Frexit NOW! Campaigner rages Remainers now regretting Brexit defiance - 'We MUST follow!'
Europe’s AstraZeneca ‘mistake’ savaged by top health psychologist as he sounds alarm bells
French newspapers all turn on Macron over AstraZeneca vaccine blunder: 'F*** YOU!'
EU lockdown: Which countries have gone back into lockdown as third wave hits?
France chaos: Police clash with protesters as violence erupts on streets – fury at Macron
French PM has AstraZeneca vaccine hours after France ruled against giving jab to under-55s
ISIS bride 'had meltdown' when told of Donald Trump's US ban – new documentary shows
Iceland volcano eruption: Latest pictures and updates on travel as no-fly zone established
Japan earthquake VIDEO: Devastating tremors rock office building after 7.2 quake strikes
Sunday, 21st March 2021
See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.
IPSO Regulated Copyright ©2021 Express Newspapers. "Daily Express" is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.