For a few days now, a group of experts from the institute have been collecting data and preparing papers on the remains of the ship found recently by a diver from Rab, Henrik Pljesa, who contacted the Culture Ministry immediately after making his discovery.
Based on the collected data and an expert estimate, a proposal will be drawn up as to whether to leave the site untouched and protect it with a metal cage or if it will be subjected to archaeological research, Jurisic has told Hina.
According to him, the ship is about 35 metres underwater. About 60 amphorae are visible, but it is assumed there are about 200 more. The first estimates say the amphorae were made in the first or second century BC. The ships which transported them were about 20 metres long, with a capacity of 50-60 tonnes, and could carry several hundred amphorae. It is believed there are more remains of the discovered ship at the site off Rab.
Jurisic maintains the site should be protected with a metal cage so as to remain untouched. An archaeological research would be too expensive, he says, and adds that there are about eight similar sites on the Croatian side of the Adriatic Sea.
Given that most such sites in Europe have been located or destroyed, Jurisic maintains that Croatia has a unique opportunity to protect this cultural heritage and include it in its tourist offer. To that end, the Croatian Restoration Institute is working on the creation of an archaeological park which would include a number of antique sites in the Cavtat area in southernmost Croatia, he has said.