The activity, which took place from 12 to 23 June on board the Croatian ship DBN KRKA, was planned at the specific request of the Croatian Navy to conduct underwater archaeological research missions, through the use of Italian assets dependent on the command of mine countermeasures forces (MARICODRAG) such as remotely guided vehicles, (ROV - Remoted Operative Vehicle), autonomous (AUV, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) and divers specialized in the search, recognition and neutralization of underwater explosive devices (EOD - Explosive Ordnance Disposal).
After the first missions carried out with the vehicles on already known archaeological sites and wrecks, the Italian and Croatian military personnel carried out other dives with the help of the Croatian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, finding, off the island of Hvar, about 50 meters . deep, amphorae of considerable historical value, dating back to the fourth century BC, which the same Croatian archaeologists have defined as the oldest ever found in the Adriatic Sea.
The activity is part of a bilateral agreement between the two navies, which for the past two years has seen the use of a team of Croatian divers on board the Italian minesweeper units periodically included in the permanent NATO device of the Mine Countermeasure Forces ( SNMCMG2) engaged in the operation Noble Shield in the Mediterranean Sea.
Further bilateral workshops are planned, on a regular basis, in the context of underwater activities for the exchange and sharing of techniques, tactics, procedures and the joint use of assets.
