Italy’s financial police announced on Tuesday that they have uncovered the remains of a large Roman-era ship lying on the seabed of the Ionian Sea off the coast of Puglia, along with a cargo of amphoras.

The discovery was made during an inspection in June 2025, but authorities chose to reveal it only now. Officials explained that keeping the find confidential was necessary to protect the underwater site.

According to the statement, all parties involved agreed to maintain strict secrecy to prevent looting and to safeguard the valuable archaeological information contained at the site while specialists worked on determining the most appropriate strategy for its protection and study.