A hobbyist swimmer, Shlomo Katzen, made a remarkable discovery approximately two and a half months ago when he found a 900-year-old Crusader sword submerged in the waters off Dor beach in Israel. Katzen, who is a student in the marine civilizations department at the University of Haifa, noticed two individuals using metal detectors in the area, suspected to be engaged in antiquities theft. Acting swiftly, he intervened by dispersing the thieves from the region before proceeding to report his find.

After retrieving the sword, which was covered in sand and shells, Katzen informed both his university and the Israeli Antiquities Authority. His proactive steps led to the approval for him to recover the sword from the seabed legally. This incident marks a significant occurrence in the field of underwater archaeology, shedding light on historical artifacts that lie beneath the surface, and emphasizes the importance of regulation and awareness concerning the protection of cultural heritage from illegal salvage operations.

Katzen's discovery not only highlights the rich history of the region, which has witnessed countless events over the centuries, including the Crusades, but it also raises questions about the preservation efforts in place for such historical underwater sites. The involvement of local authorities and academic institutions is crucial in fostering an environment where such findings can be studied and appreciated rather than exploited for personal gain.