Archeologists have discovered evidence that might confirm a shipwreck found in the Yellow Sea is the cruiser "Zhiyuan," which was sunk by the Japanese navy 121 years ago during the Sino-Japanese War.

After more than two months of underwater exploration and salvage, archeologists believe they have identified a wreck in waters off the northeast China port of Dandong as one of the Beiyang Fleet, which was defeated in 1894 in the Battle of Yellow Sea. The 50-meter wreck is about 10 nautical miles southwest of Dandong, at a depth of about 20m.

Severely damaged in the battle, the ship is not well preserved, said team leader Zhou Chunshui. No cabins have been found intact and the engine room is still buried in the sand.

Divers have already brought up more than 120 items from the seabed, including about 60 copper coins, armaments and personal belongings.

"We found a piece of a leather belt, insoles, and a comb," Zhou said.

The archeological investigation remains exclusively submarine and it has not yet been decided whether or when the ship will be salvaged, he said.

Team member Cui Yong said three porcelain plates had been retrieved from the wreck, clearly showing the characters "Zhi" and "Yuan," strong evidence of the identity of the ship.

Three shells found have been confirmed as belonging to the "Zhiyuan."

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