Workers discover 18th-century vessel while installing pipeline in medieval 'Game of Thrones' city

Workers installing a water pipeline in Croatia made an unexpected discovery, unearthing the remains of an 18th-century wooden boat.

Ivan Bukelic told Bulgarian television network NOVA TV that he uncovered the wooden structure back in April.

The undersea builder was working on a water pipeline at the time.

"I can now say I discovered a boat [in] the Old Town Dubrovnik," Bukelic was quoted as saying.

Marine archaeologist Irena Radić Rossi confirmed that the boat was over 225 years old.

"We still cannot speak of the type of vessel or its dimensions, but we can say for certain, based on the results of radiocarbon analysis, that it was from the late 18th century," she said. 

Rossi added that the remains are being protected for further examination.

"We must protect it for the future," the expert stressed.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.