In a significant archaeological milestone for Egypt, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathi oversaw the first recovery operation of sunken antiquities in 25 years at the historic Abu Qir area in Alexandria. The event, held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, marked a crucial step in preserving Egypt's rich underwater cultural heritage in the Mediterranean Sea. Dignitaries including Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled and other senior officials from the Tourism Ministry were present to witness the meticulous retrieval process.

Minister Fathi extended his gratitude to the dedicated personnel of the Sunken Antiquities Department and Alexandria City Hall, whose collaborative efforts ensured the successful completion of the operation. The Underwater Antiquities Department, instrumental in this endeavor, has diligently recovered a variety of artifacts from the seafloor off the eastern coast of Alexandria governorate. A team of expert archaeologists provided the minister with a detailed briefing on the nature and historical significance of the newly retrieved pieces.

The collection of recovered artifacts is diverse, encompassing statues of human figures and various tools, with a notable focus on items from the Roman era, such as fragments of a millstone. This latest excavation is an integral part of a broader cultural heritage underwater program, which commenced on Wednesday and continued throughout Thursday, engaging several museums and archaeological sites across Alexandria governorate.

Praising the vital work of the underwater antiquities sector, Minister Fathi disclosed the Antiquities Ministry's future considerations: either showcasing these invaluable artifacts in a dedicated museum exhibition or establishing an innovative underwater museum directly in Alexandria. He further emphasized that all recovery operations were conducted in strict adherence to international standards and agreements, specifically referencing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conventions which dictate which pieces may be recovered and which must remain in situ, submerged for preservation.