In November 2025, in collaboration between the Municipal Heritage Museum of Vis and the University of Split, the project Research, Protection and Presentation of Vis Underwater Heritage was conducted, co-financed by the support of Split-Dalmatia County.
The project’s goal is to conduct detailed research of one of the oldest ancient shipwrecks in Croatia, which has been dated using the C-14 method to the 5th century BC, with the long-term objective of protecting and presenting the underwater cultural sites of the city of Vis and the island in an innovative and comprehensive manner.
The investigation of the surface of Probe 1 has been completed, where beneath the ship’s construction planks a black-glazed ceramic bowl (salt cellar), a possible lead ingot, and three fragments of a ceramic vessel used for oil replenishment were found. In total, six black-glazed vessels that were part of this ship’s cargo were discovered at this location.
The remains of the ship’s construction suggest a specific type of shipbuilding, namely the joining of ship elements using the so-called mortise and tenon technique. This technique in shipbuilding represents visible technological advancement in ship construction and the quality of life for sailors. After the completed campaign that lasted four days this year, the ship’s construction has been protected and covered with geotextile for continued research in 2026.
The shipwreck near Krava Rock is one of the oldest ancient shipwrecks in the Adriatic where human remains are found, as well as very well-preserved wooden parts of the ship, objects and coins that it was transporting or that belonged to the crew or passengers on the ship. Organic materials and objects can be thoroughly researched and analyzed, therefore the shipwreck at Krava Rock is of exceptional scientific and cultural value.
