Chinese relics found in wrecks off Singapore

Flecker, who has more than 30 years of maritime archaeological experience, said the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) blue-and-white ceramic haul from the first wreck is the largest recovered from a shipwreck to date.

"There have only been three other (wreck) sites with Yuan blue-and-white porcelain anywhere in the world, and in much smaller quantities," he said, adding that it was clear from the primary cargo of both vessels, which comprised Chinese ceramics, that they were loaded in China.

The Shah Munchah wreck site yielded a much wider range of artifacts－from instruments to cannon.

Among the surprising finds were percussion instruments, including a tambourine and a coconut shaker with a handle, Flecker said.

Wooden-frame parasols, metal betel nut cutters and a large number of figurines were also retrieved by divers.

The heaviest discoveries were four anchors－as long as 5 meters and each weighing 2.5 metric tons－and nine cannon, which were removed from the seabed by a craned vessel.

Flecker said, "The anchors are suitable for very large sailing vessels, so it's a good find and well worth getting them up for conservation."

The nine cannon, which he said are representative of those used at the time, were typically mounted on ships employed by the East India Company in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The weapons were used for defense and signaling.