More on the vessel discovered in coastal lagoon near northern city of Haifa from Associated Press Published:  01.25.07, 19:59 

A boat that plied the coast of the Holy Land 1,300 years ago carrying fish, carobs and olives is helping researchers better understand a little-known period in the region's history.

The boat, discovered in a coastal lagoon near the northern city of Haifa, dates from the early 8th century, not long after the rise of Islam and the Arab conquest of the Middle East. The find suggests that a long tradition of sea trade was not disrupted by the arrival of new rulers from the Arabian Desert.

See: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3356944,00.html for the rest of the piece

An eighth-century shipwreck was discovered off Israel’s northern coast.

Though the 50-foot-long boat was discovered almost a decade ago, Haifa University’s Institute for Maritime Studies announced the find Tuesday after completing its research into the vessel.

"We do not have any other historical or archaeological evidence of the economic activity and commerce of this period," said the university’s Ya’acov Kahanov.

"The shipwreck will serve as a source of information about the social and economic activities in this area."

In addition to the wooden hull, many of the boat’s contents were preserved.

Among them are 30 vessels of pottery of different sizes and designs containing fish bones, ropes, mats, a bone needle, a wooden spoon, wood carvings and food remains, mainly carobs and olives.

See link: http://jta.org/page_view_breaking_story.asp?intid=6549

We learn in a clarifying Brisa that crying out for human help on Shabbas for a ship floundering at sea and other immanent dangers is acceptable, according to Rav Yosi.

He holds that calling out to G-d, is not allowed because of the uncertainty of the response marring the sanctity of the Sabbas. Rashi clarifies that Rav Yosi is referring to a dramatic public prayer. It is not the Jewish customer to morn publicly on Shabbas so this thinking is consistent. Private prayer is acceptable.   

Rivers, streams, channels of abundant waters, and seas  great and small,

Woundrous, diverse in colors, tastes and characters,

Swarming with creatures small and great - each one contains species without number.

All laud and praise God with all their limbs.

They constantly utter words and never deny their Ruler.

Precious jewels and pearls glint in their depths:

Hidden within them are the lights of their vessels.