Italian police divers have recovered a 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, officials announced on August 8, 2026. The vessel, found at a depth of 150 feet (46 meters) near Mazara del Vallo, was laden with hundreds of well-preserved ceramic amphorae, which were historically used to transport wine, olive oil, and grain.
The discovery was made after a local fisherman alerted authorities, leading to a joint operation by the Superintendent of the Sea of the Sicilian Region and the cultural heritage protection arm of Palermo’s police. Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the wreck as “one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.”
Diver’s account of the find
Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola reported encountering the wreck while surveying the seabed. Using an underwater scanner, De Mola initially mistook the vessel’s outline for a large rock before diving closer. In a social media post, he recounted: “I get closer. And my heart stops. It wasn’t a rock.” He described the moment as “the most incredible discovery of my life,” noting that the wreck was teeming with marine life, including eels and snappers.
De Mola immediately reported the discovery to authorities, sharing video footage of the site. The ministry confirmed the vessel dates to the second or first century BC, based on preliminary assessments of the amphorae and construction style.
Archaeological significance and next steps
The wreck’s preservation and cargo suggest it may have sunk rapidly, protecting its contents from decay. Experts plan to conduct further dives to assess the ship’s structural integrity and potential artifacts beyond the amphorae. The site remains under investigation, with officials emphasizing the need for careful recovery to preserve historical integrity.
Italy’s underwater cultural heritage is protected under national and international agreements, and such discoveries are subject to strict protocols to prevent looting or damage. The ministry has not yet announced plans for public display or museum acquisition, pending full documentation of the find.