At the location of Desilo, eight metres under the water surface in Hutovo blato, in the vicinity of Capljina, the expert archaeological team headed by Snjezana Vasilj has discovered the remains of two Illyrian ships, the first ever to be discovered.

Vasilj told Fena news agency on Tuesday that knowledge of the Illyrian ships so far was only obtained from the Greek and Roman sources, while the age of the discovered vessels is estimated at 2,200 years.

Apart from this, Vasilj said that although only eight square metres have been searched so far, the team has discovered some 80 amphora corks and 30 different amphora fragments with seals of workshops. The seals are currently being processed.

Additionally, a steel Roman spear with a preserved wooden handle has been found for the first time, together with eight graves, which are presumed to be even older than the ships, i.e. they date back to the bronze or steel age.

The graves have not yet been opened. Remains of a Roman villa were also found.

Vasilj, professor at the History Department of the Philosophical Faculty in Sarajevo and Archaeology Studies of the University in Mostar, stressed that additional funds must be raised for systematic research.

The past activities were carried out with support from the Ministry of Culture of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and assistance was also provided by the Croatian Restoration Bureau – Department for Underwater Archaeology and the Divers' Club Neretva from Mostar.