In a major historic breakthrough, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu announced that the Altalena ship was located overnight between Sunday and Monday at 00:30, at a depth of 503 meters (1,650 feet) west of Israel’s coast. According to their announcement, the vessel was found fully intact during a complex deep-sea expedition.The discovery was achieved following months of intensive planning and technical preparation, utilizing a specialized vessel equipped with advanced deep-water sensors and marine survey systems. The expedition was spearheaded at the initiative of Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu and directed by Roni Sadeh, head of the Marine Mapping Division at the Survey of Israel.
The Altalena arrived off the shores of Israel in June 1948 carrying new immigrants, Irgun (Etzel) fighters, and essential shipments of arms and military equipment. The tragic confrontation surrounding the ship remains one of the most painful and defining chapters in the history of the early State of Israel, during which 16 Irgun members and three IDF soldiers fell.National Security
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated: “Tonight we close a historic circle on one of the most painful and defining events in Israeli history. We have pursued this matter discreetly for many years, and today, the fruits of this intelligence and operational effort have yielded a deeply moving result for the sake of historical truth, the memory of the fallen, and the unity of the Jewish people.”Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu remarked: “The location of the Altalena is a defining moment for our national memory. We labored on this mission out of a profound sense of duty to unveil historical truth and bring the legacy of the ship’s heroes to future generations.”
Roni Sadeh noted: “We successfully reached the vessel at a depth of over 500 meters thanks to cutting-edge technology and the relentless dedication of a professional maritime team.” Full findings, imagery, and deep-sea footage are set to be presented at an upcoming press conference. Hagai Ronen, Director-General of the Survey of Israel, added: “Locating the Altalena is an emotional, historic milestone where advanced mapping capabilities, technology, and expertise allow us to touch a pivotal chapter in Israel’s heritage. The Survey of Israel takes immense pride in contributing to this national endeavor to uncover the past, skillfully led by Roni Sade, and in working to accurately document and preserve it for posterity.”
At a press conference, whose location will be announced later, the latest findings and documentation from the depths are expected to be presented.