SS Republic Find

Mitch Stacy of the Associated Press on Civil War-era ship yields its treasure:

Historical records indicate the sidewheel steamer SS Republic was carrying 20,000 gold coins — worth $120 million to $180 million today — when a hurricane sent it to the bottom of the Atlantic in 1865. But there could be more. A lot more.

BASED ON early examination of the sunken wreck by the crew of the ship Odyssey Explorer, coin expert Donald Kagin thinks there could be close to 30,000 gold pieces down there, 1,700 feet (518 meters) beneath the surface.

Either way, it will almost certainly be one of the richest shipwrecks ever salvaged. And because it is so far out in international water, salvage company Odyssey Marine Exploration doesn’t have to share the wealth with coastal state governments. The company also gained legal possession of the site in federal court under a principle known as “admiralty arrest” to bar anyone else from laying claim to the treasure.

Interesting stuff.

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