Pecio

Pecio is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote a sunken vessel and its remains, including the hull, decks, equipment, cargo, and the underwater site where it lies. In English, pecio is typically translated as shipwreck or wreck, but the word often conveys both the object and its location rather than merely a broken hull.

In maritime archaeology, pecios are studied to understand historical seafaring, trade routes, naval warfare, ship construction, and daily life aboard ships. The condition of a pecio can range from a relatively intact hull to dispersed fragments, with sediments and biota often shaping the preservation state and the visibility of artefacts.

Protection of pecios is a key concern in underwater cultural heritage. Many jurisdictions regulate discovery, study, and salvage, and international instruments such as the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001) promote documentation, preservation, and controlled excavation over commercial recovery. National laws may require permits, inventories, and reporting, with some wrecks designated as protected sites.

Conservation and ethics: While pecios offer opportunities for research, education, and public display, looting and unregulated recovery threaten historical information and marine ecosystems. Responsible diving practices, environmental safeguards, and collaboration with authorities are central to professional handling of pecios.

See also: shipwreck, underwater archaeology, cultural heritage.