Sharp-eyed diver finds crusader’s ancient sword on Israeli seabed

Metre-long relic, encrusted with marine organisms, is believed to be about 900 years old

A sword believed to have belonged to a crusader who sailed to the Holy Land almost a millennium ago has been recovered from the Mediterranean seabed thanks to an eagle-eyed amateur diver, the Israel Antiquities Authority has said.

Though encrusted with marine organisms, the metre-long blade, hilt and handle were distinctive enough to notice after undercurrents apparently shifted sands that had concealed it.