A New Shipwreck Discovered from the Akçakoca Coast, Southwest Black Sea

This study focuses on examining a previously unrecorded shipwreck discovered off the coast of Akçakoca district in Düzce, Türkiye. Underwater investigations and visual documentation revealed that the wreck is located 300 meters offshore from Paşalar Beach in Karaburun, Akçakoca, at a depth of 6 meters, with coordinates 41°04'47.71" N and 31°01'51.16" E. The shipwreck's location, physical characteristics, and historical context indicate its potential significance in contributing to the region's history. Initial findings suggest that the wreck may belong to a warship from the 19th or 20th century. Among the hypotheses discussed, the strongest possibility is that it is the "Kütahya Torpedo Boat," which sank after striking a Russian mine on September 14, 1916. The shipwreck, located in an area with a sandy seabed, has been identified as an important artificial reef that could impact the region's marine biodiversity. This study aimed to emphasize the importance of the wreck in terms of regional history, marine heritage, tourism potential, and marine biodiversity, as well as to document the wreck and add it to the scientific literature.