A diver finds an ancient wreck: 'I'm getting close, and my heart stops'

A diver has discovered ancient shipwreck ruins off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, describing the moment as one that left him breathless. The find, made by Italian diver Giacomo De Mola and his friend Igor Bisulli, who is both a fisherman and a scuba diver, took place approximately 50 meters below sea level near the coastal town. During their routine fishing expedition, they stumbled upon what initially appeared to be a rock formation. However, as De Mola approached the object with his final breath before submerging, he realized it was not a rock at all. The two divers described the scene as astonishing. De Mola shared his experience on Instagram, noting how he felt his heart stop as he saw hundreds of amphorae resting on the ocean floor. These ancient ceramic containers, used for transporting wine and olive oil, had lain undisturbed for over two millennia. According to De Mola’s account, the sight of the amphorae, arranged in a massive pile nearly two meters high and stretching over 20 meters long, was unlike anything he had ever encountered. He told his diving partner Igor, “You can’t imagine what’s down there!” Following the discovery, the divers immediately informed the Sicilian Regional Cultural Heritage Office, which then alerted the specialized unit of the Italian military police (Carabinieri) responsible for protecting cultural heritage. The Carabinieri confirmed that the wreck dates back to the period between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. The site, located about five kilometers from the coast and at a depth of 46 meters, features hundreds of amphorae, primarily of the Dressel 1A type, along with two lead anchor stocks and another structure made of the same material. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giulio announced the discovery as one of the most significant underwater archaeological finds in recent years. The amphorae found were stacked in a large heap measuring over 20 meters in length and six meters in width. Some of the vessels were identified as being used in North Africa, while one was noted to be an unmarked amphora, possibly even older than previously known types. The ministry emphasized that further documentation and research will be conducted by the regional office, aiming to gain a clearer understanding of the archaeological context and implement appropriate protective measures. The waters surrounding Sicily, once colonized by the ancient Greeks and later controlled by the Romans around 240 BCE, have long been a crucial trade route in the ancient world. This latest discovery could provide new insights into who traveled these waters during that era. A representative from the Ministry of Culture told CNN that the entire wreckage will not be raised at this time. Instead, some artifacts may be lifted for further study, though the location might eventually become a popular dive site. The area will remain untouched for now, protected and studied, with efforts ongoing to determine whether the site has already been looted in the past. De Mola and Bisulli will receive a special state recognition for their discovery. De Mola himself expressed the magnitude of the find on social media, calling it “one of the most unbelievable discoveries of my life.” He described the feeling of being among the first people in almost 20 centuries to see the site again, emphasizing its historical significance. The discovery marks a major step forward in understanding the maritime history of the region and highlights the importance of continued exploration beneath the waves.