A sonar ping detected during a routine underwater drone mission off the French coast led to the discovery of a 16th-century Italian merchant ship, nearly intact, at a depth of 2,567 meters. The wreck was identified by French military personnel during a 2025 surveillance expedition aimed at monitoring ocean resources and underwater cables near Saint-Tropez. The unusual sonar signal did not match any known terrain or infrastructure and was confirmed with a camera and an underwater robot. The French Department of Underwater and Subaquatic Archaeological Research (DRASSM) described the discovery as remarkable, noting its unprecedented depth and preservation. The ship, approximately 30 meters long and 7 meters wide, carried a cargo including around 200 spouted jugs, about 100 yellow plates, six cannons, two kettles, an anchor, metal bars, and rigging elements. Some of the jugs bore monograms and motifs suggesting a Ligurian origin. The extreme depth of 2,567 meters likely contributed to the ship's preservation, shielding it from looting and environmental damage. However, images from the underwater robot also revealed at least two objects resembling aluminum cans, an anomaly that remains unexplained. The discovery has raised questions about how such modern objects could be present in a 500-year-old wreck. Aluminum cans are a product of the 20th century and would not have been used in the 16th century. The presence of these items has sparked curiosity among researchers, who are considering various possibilities, including contamination from modern equipment or the movement of objects over time. Further study, including 3D modeling and sample collection, is expected to take two years. Researchers hope to uncover more about the ship's origin, its route, and the circumstances of its sinking. The findings may provide valuable insights into maritime trade and shipbuilding techniques from the 16th century, as well as the long-term effects of deep-sea environments on historical artifacts.