An 8th century Mediterranean boat studied

HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Israeli scientists say an eighth century shipwreck is believed to be the only ship from that period discovered in the Mediterranean region.

The wreckage of the well-preserved small boat was discovered off Israel's Dor Beach, with much of the vessel's contents suggesting it was involved in local commerce and sailed along the Lavant coast between Mediterranean Sea ports.

The boat -- excavated by researchers from the Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies of the University of Haifa -- will serve as a source of information about the social and economic activities in this area, said Ya'acov Kahanov from the university's Department Of Maritime Civilizations.

The wreckage itself was found nearly a decade ago, but only now -- after the completion of the latest excavation season -- are the details of the 1,300-year-old shipwreck becoming clearer, Kahanov said.

Scientists from Texas A&M University in the United States participated in the research.