7 Aug 2012

Divers find ship thought to be 2000 years old

2:00 pm on 7 August 2012

Divers say they have discovered a ship off the coast of Italy which they believe is about 2000 years old.

The ship, which was found in the sea near the town of Varazze in the province of Liguria, is thought to be a Roman-era commercial vessel.

Fishermen in the area say they have been finding shards of pottery in their nets for years, prompting police divers to launch a search.

The ship is said to be in a very well-preserved condition but no decision has been made by the Italian authorities on whether to launch a complex and expensive operation to salvage it.