See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JADA BAS, REPORTER Published: 16:20 BST, 9 August 2026 | Updated: 17:41 BST, 9 August 2026
An ancient Roman shipwreck believed to be more than 2,000 years old has been found off the coast of Sicily.The vessel, which is said to be 69ft long and 20ft wide, was reportedly found near Mazara del Vallo.Italian police were tipped off by a fisherman and specialist divers were sent to the wreck at around 150ft deep.It was located among hundreds of large ceramic containers which were used to ship cargo such as olive oil and wine.Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said it was 'one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years'. He added that it dates from the second or first Century BC. Giacomo De Mola, the fisherman and a free-diver, was surveying the seabed when he discovered the ancient shipwreck at what first appeared to be a large rock on his scanner.Posting on social media, he said: 'I get closer. And my heart stops. It wasn't a rock. The shipwreck was located among hundreds of large ceramic containers which were used to ship cargo such as olive oil and wine Giacomo De Mola, the fisherman and a free-diver, was surveying the seabed when he discovered the wreck at what first appeared to be a large rock on his scanner The ancient Roman shipwreck believed to be more than 2,000 years old was found off the coast of Sicily Italian police were tipped off by a fisherman and specialist divers were sent to the wreck at around 150ft deep'This is, without a doubt, the most incredible discovery of my life... It's hard to describe what it feels like to be among the first humans, in nearly 20 centuries, to see that place again.'He shared a video which showed 'countless marine life' living among the jars.He continued: 'The sea never ceases to amaze us. This time we didn't just find a wreck, we found a piece of our history.'Officials say the area is under investigation and experts are working to discover more about the wreck's history.
