That's the main reason. Also marine archeology is expensive. I once heard an archeologist saying that if the rests have passed centuries underwater, one more is less harmful than looters.
replyUnderwater sites are particularly harder to protect from looters than above / underground sites. If the stakes are high enough, scuba diving is a reasonable option for the criminally minded.
replyIt wasn’t long before Costa Concordia was looted for its treasures.
> It wasn’t long before Costa Concordia was looted for its treasures.
replyWhat treasures were there, panties of Francesco's Moldavian lover?
Passengers possessions - e.g. jewelry, watches. Technical equipment on the ship. Items from the on-ship shops. Interesting artefacts (ships bells are often a prized loot from wrecks).
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