Archaeologists begin drilling into Turkey's 'Noah's Ark' site after resting place declared '100% confirmed'

From the Newshound archive · first published 27 September 2026.

Researchers at Noah's Ark Scans have started drilling into the boat-shaped Durupinar site near Greater Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey, shipping off soil samples from depths of 60 feet in search of definitive proof of the biblical vessel. The structure measures 515 feet long — matching 300 Egyptian cubits cited in Genesis — and its average width corresponds to the Bible's stated 50 cubits. Founder Andrew Jones says 'angular features, parallel lines and different patterns' detected inside the formation are proof it is the legendary ark.

The Durupinar site was first discovered in 1959, drawing global attention for its boat shape in the mountains where Genesis 8:4 says the ark landed.

Geologists have previously argued the structure is a natural formation of limestone and volcanic clay shaped by erosion, not a man-made vessel.

Activists backing the dig claim the find will see 'Darwinism dismantled' if drilling confirms a biblical origin for the site.