Underwater Archaeological Survey of the SS Samuel J. Tilden Wreck (Bari, Italy)

Marco Procaccini; Federico Ugolini

doi:10.3390/heritage9050161

Underwater Archaeological Survey of the SS Samuel J. Tilden Wreck (Bari, Italy)

Marco Procaccini
, Federico Ugolini

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Recent underwater and remote sensing surveys identified, located, and documented the wreck of a Liberty-class cargo ship, SS Samuel J. Tilden, which sank during the German raid of Bari in December 1943. The use of remote sensing technologies (MBES, ROVs) and the photogrammetric acquisition for the creation of 3D models were central for a comprehensive analysis of the wreck site. The analysis of remote sensing and photogrammetric data indicates a well-preserved wreck, as previously noted in avocational underwater surveys, and a complex maritime landscape. By applying remote sensing and non-invasive technologies to conflict archaeology remains, this paper provides a basis for future studies on World War II wrecks in Italy.

Original language	English
Article number	161
Journal	Heritage
Volume	9
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9050161
State	Published - May 2026

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 by the authors.

Keywords

SS Samuel J. Tilden
World War II shipwreck
maritime landscape
photogrammetry
underwater remote sensing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Conservation
Archaeology
Materials Science (miscellaneous)

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10.3390/heritage9050161

Cite this

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abstract = "Recent underwater and remote sensing surveys identified, located, and documented the wreck of a Liberty-class cargo ship, SS Samuel J. Tilden, which sank during the German raid of Bari in December 1943. The use of remote sensing technologies (MBES, ROVs) and the photogrammetric acquisition for the creation of 3D models were central for a comprehensive analysis of the wreck site. The analysis of remote sensing and photogrammetric data indicates a well-preserved wreck, as previously noted in avocational underwater surveys, and a complex maritime landscape. By applying remote sensing and non-invasive technologies to conflict archaeology remains, this paper provides a basis for future studies on World War II wrecks in Italy.",

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AB - Recent underwater and remote sensing surveys identified, located, and documented the wreck of a Liberty-class cargo ship, SS Samuel J. Tilden, which sank during the German raid of Bari in December 1943. The use of remote sensing technologies (MBES, ROVs) and the photogrammetric acquisition for the creation of 3D models were central for a comprehensive analysis of the wreck site. The analysis of remote sensing and photogrammetric data indicates a well-preserved wreck, as previously noted in avocational underwater surveys, and a complex maritime landscape. By applying remote sensing and non-invasive technologies to conflict archaeology remains, this paper provides a basis for future studies on World War II wrecks in Italy.

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Underwater Archaeological Survey of the SS Samuel J. Tilden Wreck (Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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