A group of submerged ancient amphorae, many of which still retain their original seals, has been discovered in one of Greece’s busiest harbors during a coast guard operation to locate an elderly man who had gone missing in his car.

The 12 amphorae, which have not yet been securely dated, were found on Sunday in the main port of Rhodes, 30 meters from the quay where scores of ferries anchor every week, by a diver helping local authorities in their search for the motorist following fears he might have driven into the sea. The missing man was eventually located safe in his car.

The amphorae, large pottery vases used in ancient and Byzantine times to transport wine, oil and other liquids, were pulled up from a depth of 15 meters and handed over to archaeologists. Six vases were still sealed, but it was unclear whether their original contents had been preserved. Rhodes was a major maritime trading center in antiquity.