MEXICO CITY.- Audiences at the National Museum of Anthropology were taken on an underwater journey into the deep Pacific this week, plunging nearly 40 meters below the surface without ever leaving their seats. The occasion was the premiere of In Search of the Shipwrecks of Baja California, a new documentary that uncovers the stories behind the vessels that met their end along the rugged coastline of the Baja California peninsula.

Produced by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in collaboration with its Subdirectorate of Underwater Archaeology (SAS), the film is part of a larger research project aimed at cataloging 19th- and 20th-century shipwrecks scattered across the Mexican Pacific. Led by underwater archaeologist Mariana Piña Cetina, the initiative seeks not only to document these sites but also to protect them and share their history with the public.

The documentary highlights two areas of exceptional archaeological value: Todos Santos and the Sacramento Reef, located in the bays of Ensenada and Rosario. Once major maritime passageways, these waters became “graveyards” for ships due to treacherous currents, unpredictable swells, and challenging topography.

One of the featured stories is that of the SS Sacramento, a 19th-century sidewheel steamer that struck the reef in 1872. The vessel once carried cargo and passengers between Panama and San Francisco during a period of intense maritime activity fueled by the California Gold Rush. Today, its remains are a silent testament to that era of trans-Pacific navigation.

The film underscores a key element of modern underwater archaeology: community involvement. Over time, local divers and fishers—once simply informants—have become full collaborators in documenting and protecting these underwater sites. “They want to learn, see the pieces, and help preserve them,” Piña said after the screening. She emphasized ongoing efforts to teach the public not to disturb archaeological contexts, avoiding the loss of irreplaceable historical information.

For SAS director Roberto Junco Sánchez, each artifact found on the ocean floor contributes to a broader understanding of maritime history. “The ships, their machinery, their routes—they all speak to a specific moment in steam navigation and the movement of people and goods during the Gold Rush,” he noted.

Filmmaker Gibrán Huerta Castillo described the production’s technical challenges, from dangerous diving conditions to low temperatures and difficult-to-access sites. Despite these obstacles, he said, capturing the submerged remains was essential to telling a complete story.

The project grew out of public reports and aims to recover the histories of all vessels lost along the Pacific coast during the last two centuries. Beyond scientific research, the goal is to involve local communities in the preservation and appreciation of this submerged heritage.

In Search of the Shipwrecks of Baja California will soon air on public television channels and on the INAH TV YouTube channel.