In search of the Ming exploration fleets

Chinese archaeologists are due to begin searching for the remains of a Chinese ship believed to have sunk off the Kenyan coast 600 years ago.

The shipwreck could provide evidence of the first contact between China and east Africa.

The three-year project will search in northern Kenyan coastal waters off Lamu island and Malindi.

The joint initiative by China and Kenya comes after porcelain from China's Ming dynasty was found in the area.

Eleven experts will excavate key sites on land, ahead of the arrival of the maritime team in August.

Posted by David on July 27, 2010 8:24 AM