The government has committed €140,000 through an agreement with the University of Malta for continued studies on an underwater Punic wreck off the coast of Xlendi.

The agreement was signed by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and university Rector Alfred Vella.

Camilleri said the discovery merits full attention as it can shed more light on how people back then lived, socialised and negotiated.

He said the government will continue financing this exploration exercise which is producing surprusing results and will surely be of help to historians and academics. The wreck is also getting international attention, he added.

Camilleri said he hopes that the dream of eventually raising the wreck and putting it on exhibition comes true.

Professor Vella said it is an honour for the University of Malta to carry out this research. He hoped that more discoveries dating back to the Punic period will be made in the future. 

The project, which spans over four years, will include research, conservation and documentation efforts on the wreck. The team is led by Professor Timmy Gambin.