Story perspectives

Roman Shipwreck with 500 Amphorae Discovered Off Sicily

8/12/2026

Summary

Spearfisher Discovers Wreck

On August 8, 2026 Italy announced spearfisher Giacomo De Mola and diver Igor Bisulli found a Roman shipwreck three nautical miles off Mazara del Vallo, Sicily.
The 46-metre-deep wreck dates to the 2nd–1st centuries BC and holds over 500 Dressel 1A amphorae and two 1.7-metre lead anchors.
A 3-D photogrammetric survey by the Carabinieri heritage unit and the Sicilian Superintendency will aid Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli’s effort to refine the wreck’s date and trade route.

Summary

Carabinieri Protect Wreck

Carabinieri cultural-heritage unit will implement security and preservation measures to protect the wreck and its marine habitat while research continues.
Giacomo De Mola’s sonar scan prompted a joint operation involving Palermo Carabinieri, the Sicilian Sea Superintendency and a Trapani patrol boat.
Researchers said the ancient shipwreck acts as an artificial reef that enhances biodiversity on the Mediterranean seabed.

History

Historical Context

Adopted on 2 November 2001, UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage set global rules for shipwrecks older than 100 years, responding to rising looting. Italy ratified it in 2005, and by 2023 seventy-one parties had pledged $12 million for joint projects. Today the Carabinieri heritage unit, the Sicilian Superintendency and Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli apply that framework to protect the Mazara del Vallo Roman wreck.

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Spearfisher Discovers Wreck

On August 8, 2026 Italy announced spearfisher Giacomo De Mola and diver Igor Bisulli found a Roman shipwreck three nautical miles off Mazara del Vallo, Sicily.
The 46-metre-deep wreck dates to the 2nd–1st centuries BC and holds over 500 Dressel 1A amphorae and two 1.7-metre lead anchors.
A 3-D photogrammetric survey by the Carabinieri heritage unit and the Sicilian Superintendency will aid Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli’s effort to refine the wreck’s date and trade route.

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