Largest Shipwreck Treasure Find Ever - VOA Story

[msheldondante]

I bet Black Swan refers to the black swans discovered by Willem Hesselsz de Vlamingh while searching for the sunken treasure ship Ridderschap van Holland. (Not a pirate ship, so these modern treasure hunters should have no right to the gold.) It's so depressing to have these irreplaceable relics that belong in a museum sold off to the highest bidder and melted down.

-Madsd

[arklat]

@itzericalL252. Afghanistan has the largest unrecovered mineral deposits in the world. Oil isn't the only natural resource that civilization depends on.

[romeiis]

Moral of the story . . . if you are stupid enough to tell thieves what you find then you deserve to have theives steal it from you . . . silence is golden

[sriharipala]

GOLD AND SPICES WERE REAL MOTIVATION OF COLONIALISM

[sriharipala]

REAL MOTIVATION OF COLONIALISM

[itzericaL252]

for one thing there is no oil in afganistan that i know of as well as any scientist ive ever heard talk on the subject , we should get out of there we have been over there looking for bin laden how long now 9 yrs jeeze if we had wanted him we could have gotten him by now , as for gold found at sea it should be to the finder goes the spoils never would have been found other wise

[seawolfu99]

i don't care who's ships they were if these's guys find them i think they have a Right to the Glod they find there the ones spending money to find the things if the other owners whated them so bad they should of Looked for them not wait tell some one eslse doe's it for them

[happyfox711]

Good to hear your fair wiew on the subject. Yes, let the Spanish give the gold back to the indians they took it from, and maybe you should give them back the land you took from them(whith all the mines etc. in it) as well ?

[GraveKeeperDeath]

1:22 what the fuck!!!

[jhoff63]

1:22. hillarious

[jetulik]

At 1:22, thats not a man!!, thats a lesbian whos had hormone treatment to look like a man...likes Cher's daughter....the voice always gives them away...LOL

[mrrogue72]

@jetulik yeah, friggin weird

[danosverige]

Be nice if the Spanish found an ironclad full of lost confederate gold in "international waters" off the coast of Florida.

THEN we'd see some serious whining!!!

"We ask an American court to decide if we Americans can keep it". Seems fair? Lmao.

If it was found in "International waters" as claimed,why did they,and still to this day(far as i know)..refuse to reveal the location??

As you Americans are fond of saying.."I call bullshit brother!".

[qb16raider]

Who dares , wins!

[KrK007]

So Spanish take the gold from South America and become rich. However some of those ships sank. Spain claims it's their gold. Sorry, it isn't. They lost in hundreds of years ago, wasn't really theirs in the first place. Too bad, I say.

[kaikovich]

@KrK007 when US gives the Afgan oil back, UK gives Indian treasures back, when France gives african gold back, and Italy gives Spanish iron and gold back, then Spain will give back American gold. Since then, give the gold back to Spain.

[soparamens]

white vultures stealing from white hyenas!

[faransiya]

Vete a insultar a otros Racista inglés y mira a quien está dando la Justicia la razón. Y en cuanto a lo de las Malvinas eran unas isla que España cedió a Argentina y que ustedes ocuparon militarmente, solo sabeis utilizar la fuerza. Lee historia y estudia el caso y verás quien tiene razón.

[thuggie1]

trust the Spanish like all the Spanish speakers they are like magpies. they see something valuable they wont it.

its like the Argies say that the falklands are theirs that the oil in British waters is theirs, they are just criminals the whole Spanish speaking world

[SexyBuilder1888]

@thuggie1 its clearly not just the Spanish that are magpies. just look at the US invading Afganistan for oil, as well as the British invading many African countries in the past for gold and other raw materials

[faransiya]

Solo extraimos oro de lo que era una parte de España en ese momento. Y para ti seremos ratas pero la justicia NOS ESTÁ DÁNDO LA RAZON A NOSOTROS, quitándotela a ti y a todos los demás.

[faransiya]

Urracas y criminales nos vas a llamar tu racista inglés.

[DARZAMAT21]

Q pendejos y abusivos son este tesoro realmente pertenece a PERU solamente pinches Españoles q solo a robar vinieron a nuestra raza , no son mas q ratas quitandoselos a otras ratas blancas

[artan0]

Por fin se hace justicia. En 10 días el tesoro será devuelto a su legitimo dueño. ESPAÑA. La pena es que los LADRONES del Odissey no vallan a la cárcel por robar y destruir los restos arqueológicos.

[faransiya]

En segunda instancia un juez americano nos ha vuelto a dar la razon y el tesoro tendrá que volver a España en 10 días. En cuanto que fueron riquezas extraidas de otro país lo fueron porque esa tierra era España en aquel momento, y las civilizaciones que habitaban en es tierra nada tienen que ver con las que actualmente viven allí. Se extrajo un tesoro de lo que era tierra española.

[soparamens]

Osea que mi las civilizaciones indigenas desaparecieron así como asi? y que se suponer que soy yo? un ALIEN? buitres blancos que roban a hienas blancas...!

[faransiya]

@soparamens Vamos a ver te estoy diciendo que la civilizacion Peruana de aquella época no tiene que ver nada con la actual, cierto es que tendrás sangre indígena, pero politicamente tu país actual no tiene nada que ver con aquel, aquello se conquistó por España, por la fuerza si, pero de manera distinta a como lo hubieran echon otras potencias de la época,lee sobre los derechos que tenían los indígenas en las colonias francesas o inglesas y verás que colonización fue la menos mala.

[soparamens]

Cierto es que los franceses e ingleses fueron peores. Pero definitivamente es increíble como los españoles tuvieron el descaro imperialista de reclamar un tesoro que fue robado a los indígenas por la fuerza de las armas, pensarías lo mismo si los nazis hubieran saqueado Barcelona llevándose sus tesoros? el derecho de conquista NO es un derecho, es el abuso legalizado.

[faransiya]

¿Cómo no vamos a reclamar? Un tesoro hundido en un barco de guerra español que goza de imnunidad soberana, es intocable, ese tesoro no va a ser vendido ni fundido, será expuesto en un museo e incluso el gobierno español creo que ha dado la obción de que pueda ser expuesto en el Peru también.

[faransiya]

Y si es por eso tendríamos que pedirles a los italianos que nos entreguen todo el oro que Roma con miles de esclavos indígenas también extrajo de España. Busca info. acerca de las minas romanas en España.

[faransiya]

@soparamens y lo de lo buitres te lo reservas para ti.

[shaka23h]

if spain wants it they should just pay for it...

what is 500 million to a government anyways..

The finders should be paid for their efforts maybe they can come up with something like sell to them on a discount or something

[kaikovich]

but spanish also mined it, making excavations, and spending money on transports. If this company wants gold, they should mine it like spain did..

And the coins are historical pieces. Not to be sold in e-bay

[shaka23h]

if these explorers did not spend the time, resources and effort to find these coins, these coins could probably would have never been found. The fact that the Spanish never found it was probably both due to luck and their lack of trying. These guys should be rewarded for their efforts and not have something just taken away.

[kaikovich]

yes they have to be rewarded, but the reward can be not profitable for them. In the video says that they prefer to find pirate ships which cant be claimed. And who knows, maybe not this year, but spain can find them some years later. We have the time if nobdy gets it

[pavementclothing]

Its a shame that people start making a racist battle out of this.

I do believe that a company such as Odyssey that specialise in the discovery of LOST treasure should have a right to its claims. The so called descendants of the boat that are trying to claim the coins is a joke, their relatives could of been slaves on the damn thing. Spain's actions are just showing us the greed that every other government in the world has.

[pixelsilva]

Claro... pero tu olvidas que tus ancestros depredaron y acabaqron durante 4 siglos todas las riquezas de America, diilapidandolas por toda Europa y quedando al final con un imperio en ruinas y otros lucrando de su plagio.

No esta mal entonces que vengan los gringos, los Sudakas, los cHinos o quien sea, a rescatar los tesores y la riqueza que ustedes robaron en primer lugar. "Ladron que roba av ladron, tiene cien años de perdon", no te parece?

[faransiya]

Y no creais que lo volvereis a hacer Nuestra Armada de guerra ya está trabajando para que no vuelva pasar.¿Qué pasaría si fuese al contrario si fuera un barco estadounidense el hundido y los españoles lo robaramos?Nos harías la guerra y pondríais el grito en el cielo.... pensadlo...

[faransiya]

Ustedes pretendeis expoliar nuestros barcos de guerra hundidos en combate para apoderados de riqueza os da igual que haya restos humanos que sean las tumbas sumergidas de héroes españoles, solo buscais el dinero, pero tranquilos ya un juez americano en primera instancia nos dio la razon,y vuestro presidente Obama nos apoya, en poco tiempo esas monedas lleguerán a España para exhibirse en un museo no para ser despilfarradas.

[crazychasinator]

1:27 !!!!!!!!

[camomule]

If Spain wants it...then let THEM spend their time, their money and resources and go get it! Lazy fkkn spanyerdz. They just want to steal back what they stole in the 1st place! (I suppose they know of no other way though...they sure aren't smart enough to create their own technology for research / locating shipwrecks and then retrieve, conserve and document said findings)

[bonedemonn]

'Finders Keepers' "THE SEA LAW"

[egkg75]

Fuck Spain, scummy bastards, if Odesey looses in court they should dump the fucking treasure back in the ocean

[JorgeLorenzo99Rules]

kiss my Spanish white ass americunt mongrel mixed with dirty indian blood

[5dollabills]

nevermind..sorry :)

[Ortizhastalascachas]

Spain has been stealing and killing for its gold and Silver since the 1500's , sould Central and Sount America SUE Spain for these loses?? Leave it to Spain to claim something that does not belong to them.. Screw Spain and Screw Cortez!!

[ZZPAFF123]

@Ortizhastalascachas ¡Ya esta bién de decir idioteces en balde!

España era la dueña de casi toda América, y solo tomó lo suyo, lo que le pertenecía por derecho de conquista. La civilación os la dimos gratis, de lo contrario aún estaríais en la selva.

La única nación robada, y mucho, ha sido España. Sobre todo por los EEUUAA.

Estudia un poco antes de difamar el sagrado nombre de España, sin cuya generosa acción aún estarías en un árbol comiendo plátanos.

[MultiBlackballs]

@Ortizhastalascachas screw america too. give the riches to its rightful owner.

[BlueEyedArmenian]

I saw that on discovery the other day

[anthonycarl2020]

I just saw the "Treasure Quest" show on discovery. Spain arrested the captain of the Odessey and took possession of the American ship when it tried to leave the port of Gibralter. The treasure was said to be found in international waters and the Odessey was confiscated in international waters.

Answer me one question, is Spain allowed to do that?

[m2kronic]

of course not! they're just greedy they been searching for Gold and Glory since the 1500's. the only good thing they did was to introduce Christianity to every nation/country they conquer.

[JorgeLorenzo99Rules]

at least we didnt wipe out ur indian asses the british wiped em out so shut it ugly brownie

[moledo69]

There is international laws, a warship is considered that belongs to his country even when it has been sunk.

On the other hand, a sunk warship is considered as a naval cementery and is protected by the same international laws. US recognizes this laws and applies it to his warships too.

They have stolen, hide and destroy evidences to enriched himselves.

They are simply thieves with a boat.

[rosal2006]

cry cry cry spain.... if this was yours why didn't you go get it ? lost at sea means lost at sea ... ( get it lost ). those who find are the so called winners and owners....just remeber if you know or find something in the sea then it's your's so you better get out there right away and start looking for your claim to rich's....

[moledo69]

So if you hide money in you garden, I go at your home I dig and find it , the money belongs to me because if you find it it´s yours isn´t it?

[m2kronic]

i think it belongs to the government on where the treasure was found even if it is your own piece of property/land.

[greenooze1500]

the spanish frigate Mercedes had the same fate as the USS Arizona. On the way to spain, the spanish frigate and other spanish ships crossed paths with a british fleet....And engaged in a firefight..then, a lucky shot from one of the british ships penetrated the hull entering the ammunition room causing a catastroffic explosion killing pretty much everyone.

[molendomolo]

The gold belongs to Spain and not to the pirates of Odyssey JUSTICE .His place is a museum not in the banck of the owners of Odissey. A los piratas en las antiguas Indias los colgabamos a la entrada de los puertos a modo de advertencia a los demás, UN LADRÓN ES UN LADRON.

[44774477ric]

If its spains gold then why doesnt spain tell the world where it is .....its American Gold now cry babies

[molendomolo]

Of course there is nautic planes where shows where is suposed the frigate sunk. I remember you that the frigate sunk in a battle.

"why doesnt spain tell the world where it is"... jajajajaja Are you a comedian?

I tell you again an american judge ordered to deriver the gold to Spain in ten days!!!!!

Jajajajaja say goodbye gooold

but you will see it again in a MUSEUM, come to make tourism in Spain you will be wellcome.

[44774477ric]

ohh it will be appealed.....and while the appeal is taking place the gold will be stolen and never found again....this international treasure will never be in spains hand again.......chow muthfukas

[molendomolo]

You are too sure, the gold is not in Odissey hands, they were too stupid and they were selling it by internet and the judge confiscated it. The same judge that ordered to deriver the gold to Spain in ten days.

As you says Odissey has two ways to appeal or to cry.

My oppinion is that they will appeal looking for an agreement as they had tried several times.

They have stolen, hide and destroy evidences to enriched himselves, they only deserve the jail (in Spain were very close to see our jail)

[planetcostarica]

They will never give it back to you lazy fuckers it will be appealed and appealed and appealed then pilfered if ever given back it will be us pennies in one little box.....fuck you

[planetcostarica]

Fuck the spanish cry babies...this is american treasure now!!! we found it and if the fucking American courts decide to force this American company to return it than fuck the courts...becouse they are fillled with facism and lies from the Global infiltrators....Odyssy researched and found the treasure and the lazy global elites can fuck off..............the treasure is American found by the best and the global NWO pirates sitting in there lounge chairs want to steal it .....fuck the NWO traitors

[molendomolo]

Are you sure? so why an AMERICAN judje said that belogs to Spain?

1- The ship was a spanish ship

2- Sunk in spanish waters not in international waters

3- The spanish government forbid Odissey to search in sapanish waters several times

4- When they found it they hid it in Gibraltar an take it out from Gibraltar without the autorization of Spain or UK why?

They don´t are archaeologists they are thieves with a ship they don´t see an historical treasure, they see GOLD GOLD GOLD

[brettheart911]

I think they may have got away with it if they didn't try to keep it a secret and hide their finding.... not a good idea its like having a whole lot of money and the police ask you know boy where you get this money? I just say finders keepers not gonna tell you na na na, Don't really think they will allow me to keep it cause they think this is very unusual and suspicious must be hiding something.

[MarcosValdelagrana]

Todos esos tesoros pertenecen a ESPAÑA ladrones de los cojones,piratas que sois unos piratas.

[moleman1961]

It`s MINE I tell you! MINE!!

[Aramiscel]

This ship went down in International Waters. International Law states that the finder of any ship wreck that is found in International Waters is the sole property of the finder. The finder must establish the name of the wreck so that it's resting place can be verified and adhere to International Salvage laws. Odossey has followed International law.

If you have a vlid legal point then feel free to comment. If you just hate Americans and want to cuse and curse then dont' bother.

[molendomolo]

Odissey has stolen a spanish submarine pecio. So Spain sent the case to a Florida´s tribunal. This treasure will be sent to a spanish museum and I hope the members off odissey will be send to prison.

[planetcostarica]

Odyssey as correctly spelled stole nothing from the NWO sell out nation Spain wich only wants to take wich it did not earn ....did not work for.....did not research.....and does not deserve legally ...rightfully or on any merits....the spanish gov have only so far mustered up crooked lawyers.....lying judges ....and NWO sellout scum......that are agents within the US fed government and are apart of the cout de taught that happened during the Bush fascist regime.....fuck the NWO

[lewandlo]

If your find a treasure than you should give it back to me lol I won`t sell it trust me ok? lol

[dewton232]

Finders Keepers I say. It was/is public knowledge concerning the sinking of ships. If a country, no matter who it is, spends the money and time to find it then it belomgs to the finder. If Spain wanted it then why did they not go find it?

[molendomolo]

So... if a EEUU war ship sunk in a Miami´s beach and a ship from Cuba is the first to find it, the sunken ship belogs to the cuban ship isn´t it?

This example is the same, change Miami for Spain and the cuban ship for odissey.

Odissey has stolen an archeological treasure. The place for the treasure? a spanish musem not in the bank of the owners of odissey.

[kadir024]

what is americaaaaaaa?????????

america is founded land .....

this trasure belongs europe

[AllarisFianna]

Just a bunch of underwater pirates.

[zoomvirgo]

The Treasure belongs to SPAIN, Odyssey are thieves how can you claim something found in their territory waters plus the ship Mercedes also belong to SPAIN

Los Americanos se crean que pueden hacer y desahacer pero con Espana no podran!!!!

[MaX3xl]

JAJAJA SHIT OF FACE AMERICAN Ehhhh im yanke eeeeHHH helloo!!!

ESCORIAAA

[MaX3xl]

fuck off america are shit

LARGA VIDA AL REY

LARGA VIDA A ESPAÑA Y A SU ORO !!! AUN QUEDAN 8000 BARCOS MAS EN EL MAR

EL IMPERIO MAS GRANDE JAMAS VISTO

SPANISH EMPIRE IN 5 CONTINENTS A LOT OF GOLD FOR MY ASS

HIJOS DE PUTA AMERICAN COME POLLAS !!!!

[odiloglobocnik]

jenkie robbers! give us our history back you fat bastards

[davedundee]

Arrrrrrrrrrrrr pieces of eight

[MissGissy]

LAW has changed since back in 1985 when Atocha was found....HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE GOLD THAT WENT BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA???

Do you know about UNESCO Convention Underwater Cultural Heritage??? WE ARE IN OTHER TIMES NOW...and I am sure that even with all the money they have those TREASURE HUNTERS will be " ILLEGAL " internationally so they can stop STEALING!!!

[MissGissy]

In 300 years Spanish slavery "billions of billions" in gold and silver have been taken away from Peru to Spain...only PERUVIAN INDIANS were the ones who worked in mines always in inhuman conditions!!!

It is complete FAIR that we recover "at least" something of all our treasure stolen by the Spaniards!!!!

Odyssey can be rewarded for finding it, but THE TREASURE IS COMING BACK HOME.... TO PERU!!!!

[vilhammer44]

Possession is 9/10 of the law. Good luck with your 1/10 of the law. I'm sure they have ' relocated' much more treasure than is claimed here. They are not fools and idiots. I doubt that Peru will ever see a coin of this find ! Wish in one hand and see what you get in the other !

[vilhammer44]

In the case of the CENTRAL AMERICA find , 92 % of the treasure was awarded to those who salvaged the find . The U S courts awarded the other 8% to other various claimants. In the case of the Spanish Treasure Ship, Atocha , Spain did not receive a coin and neither did any South or Central American country ! I believe this case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. A local federal U.S. court must take into consideration all higher court decisions in the U.S.

[vilhammer44]

It is doubtful that any further treasure or artifacts will be removed or the specific location divulged until legal claims are settled. It is logical that the company would ' do business' with the British government is Spain is so unreasonable , wanting to claim all the treasure and Britain will take some but allow the lions share to go to the company. Whatever artifacts and treaure are unloaded in British ports, Spain will never get their hands on !

[MissGissy]

JAJAJA...let's see in the meantime...THE JUDGE HAS CONFISCATED THE TREASURE AND I WILL NOT BE SO CONFIDENT THAT USA OR SPAIN WILL GET ALL THIS TREASURE!!!!

[MissGissy]

It is almost a CENTURY!!! what a nice behavior to keep things, uh???

If you dont believe check online this article Yale to return Peruvian artefacts

If a robber got from your house all what is valuable and for some reason he lost what he has stolen in his way home for some reason...and someone else found your things will you NOT ask in court to get your properties back? jajaja I AM SURE YOU WOULD DO IT!

[animalFLESH]

this is how I figure it the more coins you have the less value you have only because they become more unrare. what was it 14 tons of coins in silver and gold that's alot of shit so wouldn't that depreciate the value?

[MissGissy]

The treasure BELONGS to PERU...Peruvian ambassador in Washington has been authorized to hire attorneys in order to claim the rights over the sunken treasure.

The ship sailed for Cádiz from peruvian largest port, CALLAO (LIMA, PERU), in April 1804, and the coins it was carrying were minted in Lima in 1803 and crafted with PERUVIAN SILVER!!!! Spain had taken away enough Gold and Silver from Peru during the colony... Spain should keep the ship ONLY, the TREASURE IS PERUVIAN!

[vilhammer44]

I have lived on the Gulf Coast in Florida for many years and there are many wrecks around Fl. I will not tell where I search and if I find anything no one will know. Finders keepers !

[vilhammer44]

How much of Mel Fisher's find did Spain or any country get? Didn't that go to the Supreme Court? Doesn't John Kerry have a financial interest in this company? Not nearly as much 'treasure' is going to be found in the future, at least on the books ! Being unreasonable about claims is going to force much of this underground. No one is going to invest this kind of money only to have it confiscated. There are no doubt ways to get around claims. You can't claim what you can't prove !

[MissGissy]

First OF ALL THE IT WAS NOT FOUND IN INTERNATIONAL WATERSIT WAS FOUND IN SPANISH COAST WATERS.

IN FACT THEY ONLY HAD AUTHORIZATION TO EXPLORE BUT THEY DIDNT HAVE AUTHORIZATION TO REMOVE!

ALSO WHY THEY CALLED IT A SECRET OPERATION?? & WHAT THEY BROUGHT IT TO A SECRET LOCATION?? WHAT THEY WERE HIDING?

THEY LEFT THE SPANISH WATERS WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING AND THEIR GOVERNMENT FOUND IT OUT AFTER THE ODYSSEY HAVE ALREADY LEFTWHY THEY DIDNT INFORM UH?

ONLY THIEVES BEHAVE LIKE THAT!!!

[animalFLESH]

well the fact that this was in international waters by law it is fair game to whom ever discovers it. regardless of who's ship it was... say you found a peice of history in your backyard and it had perus markings on it...would you send it back to them?

[MissGissy]

During many years many other countries like Peru have returned back archeological items back to original countries.

For example you can check it online making a search with the following sentence: Peru authorities crack down on smuggling of antiquities, return ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets to Iraq

There are HONEST countries like Peru that does not keep any other countries properties or patrimony.

In the past Yale University also did something similar to Peru with 5,000 artefacts...

[MissGissy]

5,000 artefacts including:skeletons, ceramic pots and jewelry, silver statues, musical instruments and human bones!

They were found in PERU on 1911, and they were sent to Yale University only as a LEAN because the university offered to make a deep STUDY of the items found in Macchu Picchu.

Recently they have agreed to return them ONLY after we got tired of waiting it for them!!! At first they were trying to FOOL the authorities stating that they have returned all back in 1920!

[paul130978]

Odyssey Marine Exploration have just found the wreck of 18th century warship HMS Victory - with £350million of treasure on board. The wreck is the crowns property. But these guys will get a big reward. It's the 2nd large find they have made, amazing. I need to take up hunting shipwrecks.

[000CLASH000]

Biggest con more like. If they have so much treas they dont need a load of suckers involved. No, the treasure they seek is your pension! The nearest you should go to this is Robert Louis Stephenson.

[SpanishAmerican]

At least the Spaniards didnt exterminate the indians like the english did.

[imCrave]

Think of the world as a whole. We are all human, we all live on land, we all experience different things. History is history, every culture has its bad past but today we try to make up for it. The money made from these shipwrecks is felt worldwide. These profits are not horded.

[alexdabomb11223344]

that guys daughters in my class

[babytog]

ace. what an amazing company.

it's difficult to believe the spanish government are trying to claim it might be one of their galleons....they looted cities, murdered hundreds of thousands of people and melted down artworks to get that gold......cheeky bastards.

[dkrustyklown]

A treaty between the US and Spain means that gold belongs to Spain. This is irrefutable.=

If the US violates the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, then Spain will consider the treaty null and void...

...at which point the salvage of 6000+ American shipwrecks off the coast of Spain will commence. These are shipwrecks from WWI and WWII. If it is ok for Americans to defile Spanish sea graves, then it is ok for Spaniards to defile American sea graves.

America does not want this.

[dkrustyklown]

If the Americans violate the treaty, then you'll start seeing Spanish salvage companies offering the skulls of American sailors up for auction to the highest bidder.

Do you really think that opening this pandora's box is a good idea?

[babytog]

Go for it and see if anyone gives a rats ass......

[vilhammer44]

I know I won't tell anyone if I should find anything Spanish. Package it back up and throw it somewhere else until the law changes or seek another country as port of call that is more compromising. You won't hear of any more Spanish treasure ships discovered as this will be a closely guarded secret in the future. Spain a thrid world country speaks . Is anyone listening?

[dkrustyklown]

Third world country?

Firstly, the concept of the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd world is a relic of the Cold War (1st world=US-aligned, 2nd world=USSR-aligned, 3rd world=unaligned). So your use of the term, "third world" is laughable.

Secondly, in many respects, the Spanish standard of living exceeds that of the US. You see, standard of living isn't NECESSARILY tied to income. The Spanish enjoy a longer life expectancy, higher level of literacy, lower infant mortality, and lower crime rate than we do.

[MDHmodder]

america?

respect for international treaties and agreements?

HAHAHAHAHAH

[isger]

What an ace company? thieving mugs more like, they disgust me! Typical American greedy money horders. This realy boils my blood, especially as their are dragging the reputation of maritime archeologists in the mud.

[isger]

Also, apart from the company being a bunch of mugs, Do you know anything about British History at all? First I would you to look at your own backyard before saying something like that. Brittain has left half the world in shambles, some of which are still going on today.. (israel Palestine just to name one)

[babytog]

Every country has skeletons in their closet and nobody is blameless and eveyone is greedy, so your argument is meaningless......

[isger]

well that was my point, everyone has skeletons in their closet.. so making the point that the Spanish did some bad things back in the days is rubbish

[kimhalim]

All of a sudden i wanna be a tresure hunter.

Too bad most of it will be gone when im older. Infact im still suprised there are these big hauls left.

[ptitceltic]

so basically american can steal and appropriate anything because it is business? the treaty is indeed a good thing, but US will always find a way to break it. In the name of their so-called interest for History.

Repulsive and ultra-liberal....

Why shouldn't we do the same in US water for a change? after all "finder's keeper right?

[twylerroker1]

its all americas were pirates im jack sparrow bitch

[hipstarchild]

Oooh arhhhh shiver me timbers.

[alexo250]

spain stole silver and gold fron PERU!

[alexo250]

the GOLD belongs to PERU!!

[TheSpanishRSlandered]

The treasure belongs to Spain fuckin stealers.

[dkrustyklown]

You people need to do a little research on maritime law before you comment:

A Spanish ship is a Spanish ship is a Spanish ship regardless of where it is at.

Ask Sea Hunt...they salvaged a Spanish ship IN US TERRITORIAL WATERS

[dkrustyklown]

oops, hit tab and then enter prematurely...

Ask Sea Hunt Inc.

They salvaged a Spanish ship in US territorial waters just off the coast of Virginia and they got the living hell sued out of them by the Spanish government.

There is a treaty called: 1902 Treaty of Friendship and General Relations between the United States and Spain.

This treaty clearly states that shipwrecks remain the property of their original owner regardless of where the ship ends up.

[cocacola443]

I heard about this on the radio, since Spain apparently figured out it used to be their ship. The government official speaking said it would be like "going to Gettysburg and picking the cuff links and wallets from corpses" or "robbing the site of the Arizona.

Maybe he doesn't realize that those two examples ARE NOT IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS, while this load of gold is. Finders keepers, that's what I say. Isn't that what the Spanish said when they stole it from Latin America?

[dkrustyklown]

Whether or not it is in international waters is irrelevant.

It is not, "finders keepers" as you say, since in 1902 the United States and Spain signed a treaty that clearly state that shipwrecks belonging to each nation remain the sole property of each nation regardless of where they are located.

Case history-search: Sea Hunt Inc. Vs Kingdom of Spain

Sea Hunt salvaged the Spanish shipwreck "Juno" WITHIN VIRGINIA TERRITORIAL WATERS, but Spain sued and won because of this 1902 treaty.

[cocacola443]

Well, that's a valid argument, but not the one I heard by NPR and the Prime Minister of Spain. Your argument is far, far better than his was. No mention of the treaty was made on the show I heard.

I retract my earlier argument in the event of the existence of such a treaty. Otherwise, it's still finder's keepers. :)

[dkrustyklown]

I know your comment is from 7 months ago, but I just have to say that the Spanish Prime Minister is an idiot and never has any clue about what is going on.

[vilhammer44]

I have every confidence that our government , with the State Dept. encouragement, will just hand it over to Spain. Its ironic that Spain is claiming the treasure and gold they stole 300 years ago from the Incas. The greedy bastards haven't changed with the exception that they gave up the Inquisition. Wonder how many they murdered and tortured then?? I would take it and throw it back into the sea before I let Spain get a single coin. If you find Spanish gold , don't tell ! ! Relocate it !

[dkrustyklown]

You do have it completely incorrect about the origin of the gold. By the time that this ship had sunk, there was no more Inca gold to be had. It had all been used up hundreds of years earlier.

This gold was mined out of the Ande's mountains by Spanish miners, who poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this work. This gold was no more "stolen" than the coal that powers our homes is "stolen". So you can take your self-righteousness somewhere else.

[vilhammer44]

Wrong ! Spanish dogs opened the veins of South and Central America and continued until driven out. 40 years after the Spanish set foot there they had murdered 1/3 of the Indian population . The justification for the slaughter was that they refused to pay tribute. In 1781 Tupac Amaru 2nd, chief and descendant of the Incas attacjed the Spanish royol government between Bolivia and Peru. The Spanish enslaved the Indians to work in the mines. Their atrocities are well documented.

[vilhammer44]

Through disease, cruel and deceitful murder, slaughter , enslavement , the Spanish committed genocide and every gram of gold they obtained they extorted or otherwise stole. Now the thieves want their loot back ! Yes , you are right. Spain is not a 3rd world country . It is a 4th world country. Their country was built on murder, plunder and genocide. Now the 'Great Spain' is a dying pig grunting in court !

[dkrustyklown]

You are an idiot.

I am satisfied that in your pathetic 64 years of life, you have utterly failed to understand the most important historical and geopolitical rivalry of your own lifetime. You don't even know what 1st, 2nd, and 3rd world meant during the Cold War? In your inferior mind, it's some sort of ranking system, which it is not.

You should have been aborted, because you aren't worthy of your medula oblongada.

[dkrustyklown]

Ah, 1/3 murdered, eh? Of course a dumb sack of shit such as yourself would count those killed by disease in that statistic, thereby completely invalidating it. The Spanish came as conquerors and religious missionaries.

Compare Spanish America with English America. The English made it a point to drive out or exterminate all native populations as they settled. No mixing allowed.

The Spanish tried their best to assimilate the natives, mixing and intermarrying freely with them.

[iolca]

Spaniards claiming the ship? they are pathetic. They stole that from the americas so that belong to the americas.

[dougpeerless]

Also why do people have to petition a US court? seems to me they're more likely to see in favour of an American company.

[dougpeerless]

I'll bet a £1000 i know the name of the ship. they've code named "Black Swan". If it is then the "haul" belonged to a trading company, well part of it did the res was to pay for a war.

[Dub665]

Let Me Say One Thing Woooooooooooo Were Rich.

[michaelwright999]

Any chance of 1 percent please Im poor

[beachnative420]

Fiders keepers losers weepers

[gamer1st]

seems a bit unfair that this treasure was probably stolen by the english or spanish(or both)then the americans come along and get the reward.lol

[bentpreacher]

Thats almost as retarded as the Spanish Government trying to lay claim to it. the ship is the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes. A spanish ship that went down in the 1800's. That of course is Irrelevant. If it was in spanish territorial waters thats one thing. But considering it is not, the Spanish have zero legitimate claim to it. The finders get the treasure. The spanish are just mad they didn't have the tech or the ability to find it themselves.  Pretty open and shut.

[Assy84]

typical commentary of someone that lives in a country with no history to preserve. I'm spanish AND I FEEL ofended with all of this, ¿spanish historical patrimony destined to be sold and dispersed around the globe by a foreign company? come on. We dont care if it was sunk yesturday or 200 years ago, it's spanish, same as it's tripulation that probably died btw, and crafted by spaniards.

[bentpreacher]

Yes, The same Spanish That killed, raped and looted their way across South and Central America with their Conquistadors. The treasure came from Spanish CONQUESTS, correct? Scientific analysis could tell you that the treasure originated in Latin America and NOT SPAIN. Realistically, location of the find is EVERYTHING! The Spanish Empire is gone, thank the British! I do! You can dog America all you want, Spain has a Far more damning and evil past than America does today...

[gamer1st]

sorry mate i wasnt having a go at americans,i think you guys are great i really do.i was just making a lighthearted joke about the spanish an english having all these wars over treasures an stuff then someone else comes along an grabs the loot lol.but you are right in what you say.

[bentpreacher]

No problem. I get tired of all the "greedy Americans"this, and "evil Americans" that. I have pretty thick skin, but sometimes get annoyed.

I for one think that anything like this happens in the future, it must be a "world" court that decides. Of course U.S. courts could show "bias" towards the Americans. Then again so would any nation really. 500 million is alot of duckets!! I am surprised FAR more nations, etc. haven't tried to put a claim on it, I would!

[Assy84]

"Spain has a Far more damning and evil past than America does today"

are u sure m8? just count north american natives and south american... north american could be exposed in a small museum, wat happened in north america was a genocide, whilst spaniards mixed up with natives. sure there was bloodshed but uncomparable.

so please don't speak about whose worse, since your country is right now commiting outrageous crimes in the middle east.

summing vietnam, atomic bombs.. america wins by much.

[bentpreacher]

Oh please, you just know more about American nastiness because this is the information age. Far worse was done in the past, but thats the thing, its the past. Much like spains claim to a ship lost centuries ago. Good luck doing more than "claiming" the ship. Americans and their government are 2 separate things. like night and day. Much like the worlds perception of Americans in the media vs the actual truth.

[Assy84]

I'm accusing american gov all the time, not citizens.

If ur talking about THE PAST don't forget it is YOUR PAST also. Not so long ago your grand parents made the journey to america so you are AS guilty of ancestral european wars. If you are refering to wars that date from 200 years or so onwards then I simply don't share your opinion.

[dkrustyklown]

bentpreacher

Um, you must not be familiar with case history here.

Spain has always won these suits. Why? Well, back in 1902 the US signed a treaty with Spain that leaves no room for interpretation.

Spain will get its gold, and the King promises to split the loot with the Government of Peru.

w00t! Go Spain!

[vilhammer44]

The Spanish are trying to lay claim to EVERY spanish ship that ever went down ANYWHERE, even in U.S. territorial waters. They stole it first so they reason that they should keep it. There are some liberal judges and the Communistic State Dept. that would agree with them. Lots of luck ! Finders keepers in hundreds of year old vessels sunk at sea ! These kind of operations will go underground in the future and will deal in port with a country likely to be ' more friendly' to claims.

[alexdabomb11223344]

his daughters in my class

[escuingo2]

wow they are rich for sure now