DUBROVNIK – A sunken 18th-century boat has been discovered by chance near the majestic stone walls of Croatia’s medieval city of Dubrovnik.

Ivan Bukelic was working on a water pipeline in Dubrovnik’s old port back in April when he found a wooden structure buried in the seabed.

“I can now say I discovered a boat at the Old Town Dubrovnik,” Bukelic, who is a diver and undersea builder from Dubrovnik, said.

He added the vessel was some 60-80 centimeters (23-31 inches) under the sea bottom.

Dubrovnik, once a prominent trade hub along the Adriatic Sea in the Middle Ages, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It draws large numbers of visitors, particularly in the warmer months, and has gained fame as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones series.

The remains of the boat in Dubrovnik’s old port have been protected for further examination.

“While we’re unable to determine the type or size of the vessel at this time, radiocarbon dating confidently places it in the late 18th century,” stated marine archaeologist Irena Radić Rossi.

Radić Rossi said the aim is to continue with the research in cooperation with Croatia’s Ministry of Culture: “We must protect it for the future.”