San Jose – £13 Billion
The Spanish warship San Jose is considered one of the greatest treasure ships ever lost, with an estimated value of up to £13 billion. The vessel sank in 1708 en route from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia.
Armed with 64 guns and a crew of around 600, San Jose carried a vast amount of gold, silver, and emeralds from the Americas. Despite being escorted by other warships, San Jose was sunk by an English vessel during the War of the Spanish Succession.
Since its discovery off the coast of Colombia in 2015, the ship has been at the center of a legal battle between the Colombian government, Spain, an American salvage company, and indigenous groups. While the Colombian government wants to preserve the ship and its treasures in a museum, archaeologists argue that it should remain undisturbed on the seabed.
Flor de la Mar – £2 Billion
Flor de la Mar, or “Flower of the Sea,” was a legendary Portuguese ship that sank in 1511 following the conquest of Malacca, Malaysia. This 118-foot-long, 400-ton vessel carried untold riches from the palace of the Sultan of Malacca, including 80 chests of gold and 200 chests filled with rubies, diamonds, and emeralds.
However, Flor de la Mar encountered a storm and ran aground in the Strait of Malacca, and its wreckage has never been found. Explorers believe the ship may have been washed out to sea by strong currents.
Merchant Royal – £1 Billion
Merchant Royal, nicknamed “El Dorado of the Seas,” was an English galley that sank in 1641. She carried gold, silver, and jewels intended to pay the wages of 30,000 Spanish soldiers.
After suffering a hull leak on her return journey to England, Merchant Royal was unfortunately abandoned just 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall. She went down with a treasure worth an estimated £1 billion and 18 sailors. Today, only her rusted anchor remains, discovered off the coast of Cornwall in 2019.
These ships not only hold incredible material wealth but also represent fascinating pieces of history, attracting treasure hunters and archaeologists worldwide.
Never swim in the sea if you see ‘square waves’ as it is extremely dangerous.
If you see ‘square waves’, do not go swimming in the sea. If you are already swimming and notice ‘square waves’, it is recommended to immediately get out of the water, according to The Sun.
