Italian divers have discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, believed to date back more than 2,000 years.

The vessel was discovered laden with hundreds of remarkably well-preserved containers believed to have been used to transport goods such as wine and olive oil.

Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, described the wreck as “one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.”

Specialist police divers located the ship at a depth of about 46 metres (150 feet) following a tip-off from fishermen. Local media reported that the wreck measures approximately 21 metres (69 feet) long and 6 metres (20 feet) wide.

According to the Culture Ministry, the vessel dates back to either the 2nd or 1st Century BC.

Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola said he came across the historic wreck while surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo.

“I get closer. And my heart stops. It wasn’t a rock,” he said. Instead, he saw hundreds of amphorae – tall ceramic jars used to store goods in the ancient era, mostly wine, oil or grain.

“This is, without a doubt, the most incredible discovery of my life,” he said. “It’s hard to describe what it feels like to be among the first humans, in nearly 20 centuries, to see that place again.”

He said on social media that he decided to dive and investigate after spotting what appeared to be a large rock on his scanner.