Chezsven Blog: Wellfleet Today: Sunken Treasure Ship Discovered Off Cape Cod

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Sunken Treasure Ship Discovered Off Cape Cod

When I gaze out over the ocean, I often think of what's on the other side. Portugal, and further north, France. The imagination of some people does not reach straight across. Instead, it goes deeper. Professional treasure hunters scan the horizon, dreaming of sunken treasure. Modern technology facilitates locating it.

One such team had success off Wellfleet in 1984, with discovery of the Whydah.

Some of the artifacts from that wreck are housed in a museum on Provincetown pier. Now another team is eager to bring up treasure from the Port Nicholson, a British merchant steamer that was torpedoed by the Germans off Cape Cod in 1942. The wreck, situated 50 miles off Provincetown, in 700 feet of water, contains an estimated three to five billion worth of platinum, diamonds, and gold. The cargo was listed as "automotive parts and military stores". Delivery of the platinum to the United States was to pay for military supplies provided to the Soviet Union during the war. The exact location of the wreck has not been revealed, and it's not yet clear what will happen to the booty.

The treasure hunters will be back this spring, and the whole world will be watching. What is it about sunken treasure that so fascinates the public? Have you ever found something that you considered treasure?

Comments (12)

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connie · 684 weeks ago

I've always been fascinated by the idea of treasure hunting- It must take alot of perseverance and hope- I guess alot of hoping and willing to wait.

I think the treasures I've discovered in my life have been treasures revealing past connections to family- in grandmother's suitcases or in old boxes. They might not be of great monetary value- but I consider them precious.
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1 reply · active 684 weeks ago

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chezsven 82p · 684 weeks ago

Connie, just the type of thing I was alluding to. Thanks for sharing.

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Brette Sember · 684 weeks ago

We visited this museum while on Cape Cod several years ago. It was a fun stop. The museum in Key West is a bit more fun I would say - you get to lift a bar of gold in your hand there which was neat. My son was always fascinated with pirates and sunken treasure (which is why I've been to so many of these places!).
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alisa bowman · 684 weeks ago

I find this all fascinating. Is the treasure still worth what it once was? Or because it's not also an artifact, is it worth more? Can you still sell the diamonds like you would those mined from the ground? It's all very interesting.
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1 reply · active 684 weeks ago

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chezsven 82p · 684 weeks ago

All good questions. I will try to find out. I believe the diamonds are machine-grade, but am not sure. The treasure is worth 3 to 5 BILLION. One of the largest sums in history.

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Vera Badertscher · 684 weeks ago

I think sunken treasure or hidden treasure are fascinating in the same way that archaeological digs are fascinating. The uncover something that no one has seen for decades or perhaps even hundreds of years. (Like the ancient Greek ships found along the Mediterranean) It is like historical research. I realize for some it is strictly a business proposition, but for me it is the pure discovery that is interesting.
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Kris · 684 weeks ago

I find the idea of sunken ships to be fascinating, but diving after them? No way. I'll let the pros do the work and you can keep us posted. Deal?
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Casey · 684 weeks ago

I agree with Kris! I love hearing all the stories about sunken/hidden treasure - The Goonies is one of my favorite movies, but I'll leave the adventure to my imagination.

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Living Large · 684 weeks ago

Who hasn't wanted to go treasure hunting in their life! How very cool. We have a diamond mine here in Arkansas open to the public. We hope to go one day this year and try our luck!
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