Historic Shipwreck Found
Divers Locate Historic Altalena Wreck Intact Off the Coast of Israel
Key Points
Military officials stated that the IDF had no involvement in locating the Altalena during the search.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu reportedly funded the search with about NIS 1 million to support the Bat-Galim marine research vessel, according to Kan's report.
Hagai Ronen, director general of the Survey of Israel, described the discovery as combining advanced mapping capabilities with an effort to document the country’s history.
The Altalena voyage carried more than 900 immigrants, including Irgun fighters, together with weapons and military equipment.
The vessel’s timeline included disembarkation at Kfar Vitkin on June 20 and fighting off Tel Aviv on June 22, after which it was struck and set ablaze during the confrontation with the state forces.
Divers have located the Altalena, a cargo ship that sank during Israel's 1948 War of Independence, at a depth of 503 meters west of the coast i24news. The wreck was found intact after a complex marine search operation, marking the discovery of a vessel at the center of one of the most divisive episodes in Israel's early statehood JW Wire. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu announced the find, which closes a painful but formative chapter in the nation's founding era.
The Altalena arrived in June 1948 carrying over 900 immigrants and weapons for Menachem Begin's Irgun militia Times of Israel. Its confrontation with the nascent Israeli state's forces left 16 Irgun members and 3 IDF soldiers dead. The discovery was led by Roni Sadeh of the Marine Mapping Division and marks the end of years of search efforts.
How the Ship Became a Symbol of Division
The Altalena's voyage began in June 1948, when the ship disembarked immigrants and weapons at Kfar Vitkin on June 20 YNet News. Two days later, it sailed toward Tel Aviv, where it encountered Israeli state forces. The ensuing clash resulted in the vessel being struck and set ablaze, killing 19 people total Times of Israel.
The incident reflected deep tensions between the newly formed Israeli government and the Irgun militia JPost. The confrontation represented a defining moment for national memory and the consolidation of state power during Israel's founding era.
A Million-Shekel Search Using Advanced Mapping
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu funded the search with approximately 1 million Israeli shekels to support the Bat-Galim marine research vessel i24news. The operation employed specialized sensors and survey systems to scan the Mediterranean seabed. Hagai Ronen, director general of the Survey of Israel, described the discovery as combining advanced mapping capabilities with efforts to document the country's history.
The discovery was announced around 12:30 a.m. on August 24 after the complex naval operation i24news. Military officials stated that the IDF had no involvement in locating the vessel during the search JW Wire.
Preserving a Painful Chapter of Israeli History
The wreck's location and preservation are expected to help document and safeguard this key episode in Israel's founding era Times of Israel. Authorities stated that more details would be shared at a press conference and that ongoing work would record the site for future generations. The 78-year search for the Altalena represents a commitment to preserving difficult historical moments.
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