Portuguese waters may hold treasures of 250 sunken ships
Where about 250 sunken ships with treasure are located (photo: Getty Images)
The world's seas and oceans hold the secrets of hundreds of sunken ships with treasures in different parts of the world. In Portugal, researchers have identified a site where at least 250 such treasure-laden vessels may rest on the seabed, according to Euronews.
Alexandre Monteiro, archaeologist and researcher from Nova University in Lisbon, recently shared findings based on a detailed shipwreck database. His research spans records dating back to the 1500s, when historical documents first became available.
Monteiro identified 8,620 shipwrecks in Portuguese waters, around 250 of which are believed to contain lost treasures. These ships are thought to have sunk off mainland Portugal's coast, as well as near the Azores and Madeira islands.
"I've documented around 7,500 wrecks along the mainland coast, 1,000 near the Azores, and 120 near Madeira. I know, for instance, that off the coast of Troia, there’s a Spanish ship from 1589 called Nossa Senhora do Rosário. I’ve investigated its history and even know the name of the captain’s mother. Official records show it carried 22 tonnes of gold and silver," a researcher said.
However, the Portuguese government has not responded to the published research or taken any action regarding these shipwrecks.
"We know there are 250 treasure ships, and sooner or later, a construction project or something similar will uncover one of them. Yet, there’s no contingency plan to protect such discoveries," Monteiro stated.
Despite concerns, he dismissed the likelihood of treasure hunters raiding the sites, explaining: "That’s unlikely, as most of the wrecks are buried under sand."
