Discovered Off Madagascar's Coast: The Sunken Pirate Ship Yields a Staggering $138 Million Haul
Off the northeast coast of Madagascar, in a small harbor that once served as a pirate base, lies an intriguing archaeological find—the 1721 Portuguese shipwreck, previously known as the *Nossa Senhora do Cabo*. This ship, on a voyage from India to Portugal, was captured by notorious pirates, including Olivier Levasseur and John Taylor, during the Golden Age of Piracy.
The Centre for Historic Shipwreck Preservation made the groundbreaking discovery, revealing an astonishing treasure trove worth over $138 million in today's currency. The identification of the wreck was supported by multiple lines of evidence, highlighting the rigorous methodology used in the investigation.
The *Nossa Senhora do Cabo* was carrying a cargo of gold, silver, precious gems, and important figures such as the outgoing Portuguese viceroy and the Archbishop of Goa. This voyage was part of a critical trade route between India and Portugal during the early 18th century.
The capture of the *Nossa Senhora do Cabo* is noted as one of the most significant pirate heists in history. The wreck was eventually found stranded in the harbor, providing a rare glimpse into the world of 18th-century piracy and the wealth-driven motivations of the time.
The archaeological investigation of the shipwreck site, which began in 1999, allowed the team to piece together the history of the ship, its cargo, and the pirates who captured it. Among the artifacts uncovered were devotional figurines made from wood and ivory, gold coins, precious stones, and fine pottery.
The discovery provides significant insights into the wealth carried by Portuguese vessels of the time. The findings from the shipwreck excavation are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of maritime piracy during the Age of Sail.
Clifford, co-founder of the Centre for Historic Shipwreck Preservation, confirmed the identity of the wreck and provided an explanation for the identification process in an email to Live Science. The archaeological work on the wreck site revealed important details about the ship's final moments before it was left stranded due to storm damage.
Future fieldwork around Sainte-Marie Island may reveal more wrecks and offer insights into the strategies and operations of pirate crews in the Indian Ocean during the Age of Sail. The discovery of the shipwreck off the coast of Madagascar underscores the value of continued exploration and preservation efforts in these hidden maritime sites. It not only reveals the riches that pirates targeted but also provides insight into the wealth-driven motivations of the time.
The Archaeological investigations at the site of the 1721 Portuguese shipwreck, the Nossa Senhora do Cabo, uncovered a collection of artifacts that offer entertainment and educational value, such as devotional figurines, gold coins, precious stones, and fine pottery. The Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation's findings from this shipwreck, including the valuable cargo of gold, silver, and precious gems, contribute significantly to our understanding of books on the maritime trade during the Age of Sail and the motivations of pirates during this era.
