A team of researchers working in the mountains of eastern Turkey says it has found new evidence that could point to the long-debated remains of Noah’s Ark, including what appear to be hidden tunnels beneath a boat-shaped formation and soil readings that show a higher level of organic matter inside the site than outside it.
During a FOX News segment hosted by Todd Piro and Carley Shimkus, Noah’s Ark Scans researcher Andrew Jones said the formation is located in the region where, according to the biblical account, the Ark came to rest. He described it as a remote site about one mile from the Iranian border, where a boat-shaped formation first drew attention decades ago.
Jones said the formation was discovered in 1959, but his team’s more recent scans have revealed details that he believes make the site harder to dismiss as a natural feature.
“Our new research has shown that there are tunnels about four meters down and two meters high going down the center of the boat and on the inside edge of the hull shape,” Jones told Piro and Shimkus.
A Boat-Shaped Formation In The Mountains
Piro introduced the segment by saying American researchers in Turkey had uncovered what appear to be hidden tunnels that resemble descriptions connected to the biblical account of Noah’s Ark.
Shimkus added that Jones believes the new evidence could help turn the ancient mystery into something more concrete.
The site itself has been debated for years. Some believers and Ark researchers have argued that the formation’s shape and location are important clues, while many skeptics and geologists have said it is likely a natural formation rather than the remains of a massive ancient vessel.
Jones acknowledged that disagreement, but said his team’s findings suggest something more organized below the surface. He argued that the possible tunnels, support beams, and wall-like features point toward a man-made object instead of a random piece of mountainside geology.
“We really believe this layout showing top tunnels and possible support beams and walls would suggest it’s a man-made object and not a naturally forming object,” Jones said.
That is the central question around the site: is it a rare but natural shape created by geology, or is it the decayed and buried remains of something built by human hands?
Jones Pushes Back On Skeptics
Piro directly raised the skeptical view, noting that many geologists argue the formation is simply natural. But he also said that when he looked at it, it did not appear natural to him, while Shimkus remarked that it looked like a boat.
Jones responded by saying skeptics must explain how an earthen formation ended up shaped like a ship and, in his view, matching the size described in Genesis.
“First of all, you have to explain how did an earthen formation get into the shape of a ship?” Jones said.
He said the formation is “exactly 300 cubits long,” which he connected to the length given for Noah’s Ark in the Book of Genesis. Jones argued that the site has the right shape, the right length, and the right general location, which together make it worthy of deeper scientific investigation.
This is where the story becomes fascinating, even for people who are not already convinced. Claims about Noah’s Ark have appeared many times over the years, and many have not held up under close review. Still, a site that is measurable, scannable, and tied to physical soil and subsurface claims gives researchers something more specific to test than legend alone.
Organic Matter Found Inside The Formation
Jones said the team also found that the soil inside the formation is different from the soil just outside it.
According to him, samples from inside the boat-shaped site contained three times more organic matter than samples taken outside the formation.
“We’re also seeing the soil inside is different from right outside the formation,” Jones said. “We have three times more organic matter found inside versus right outside.”
For Jones, that matters because it suggests the formation may be a distinct object rather than just part of the surrounding mountain. Organic material could raise many questions, depending on what it is, how old it is, and how it got there.
By itself, organic matter does not prove the site is Noah’s Ark. Natural processes, buried vegetation, animal remains, or human activity from another period could all complicate the interpretation. But Jones presented it as one more clue that the location deserves serious investigation instead of quick dismissal.
This is the kind of claim that needs careful testing, because the difference between an exciting possibility and real proof is evidence that can survive outside review.
The Next Step Could Be Underground Exploration
Shimkus asked whether the research team could take the work underground and explore the tunnels directly to get a more definitive answer.
Jones said that is the next goal.
He said he hopes Turkish universities will be able to help move that work forward, and that his team wants to assist with designing a robot capable of entering the tunnels, filming what is inside, and collecting samples.
“We even want to help with designing a robot that can go into these tunnels that can film and take samples,” Jones said.
That would be a major step, because scans and surface readings can suggest possibilities, but direct sampling could provide stronger evidence. If researchers can safely enter or examine the tunnels with robotic equipment, they may be able to determine whether the spaces are natural cracks, man-made passages, or something else entirely.
That kind of work would also allow outside experts to weigh in more seriously. For a claim this large, the evidence would need to be studied by archaeologists, geologists, and other specialists who can test the findings without starting from a desired conclusion.
“I Do Believe This Is The Real” Ark
Piro asked Jones directly whether, after all the time and effort he has put into the research, he truly believes the team has found Noah’s Ark.
Jones answered yes.
“I do believe that this is the real decayed buried remains of Noah’s Ark, the famous ship,” he said. “We’re doing our best to convince skeptics and show the world this site.”
That answer makes clear where Jones stands. He is not merely saying the site is interesting or worth studying, though he is saying that too. He believes the formation is the remains of the Ark.
Shimkus then asked whether his goal is to strengthen people’s faith. Jones said he thinks the process works both ways: a discovery like this can draw archaeologists and scientists into the mountains, while also drawing people of faith who see the site as confirmation of what they already believe.
“If archaeologists get involved, they do the science,” Jones said. “Of course, the faithful will come out and see it. It confirms our belief.”
A Claim That Still Needs More Proof
The new findings described by Jones are exciting for those who have long hoped the Ark could be located, but the claim remains a major one that needs careful confirmation.
A boat-shaped formation, possible tunnels, and higher organic matter are all interesting details. They may justify further study, especially if researchers can gather samples from inside the suspected tunnels. But proving that the site is Noah’s Ark would require a much stronger body of evidence, reviewed by experts and tested against natural explanations.
That does not make the research meaningless. In fact, it may be the opposite. The most valuable next step is exactly what Jones described: a deeper investigation that can move the discussion beyond pictures, measurements, and belief into direct testing.
For now, the site remains a powerful mix of faith, archaeology, geology, and mystery. Jones believes the remains of Noah’s Ark are buried there in the mountains of Turkey, while skeptics continue to argue that the formation is natural.
What happens next may depend on whether researchers are able to get beneath the surface and show the world what those hidden tunnels really are.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.
