Treasure hunting is very exciting, especially when you consider the history of the ships that have been sunk out in the waters. The treasures, which include jewelry, antiques and precious metals, were often being hauled by the orders of kings and queens and were considered very valuable. Now that time has passed, these treasures are even more valuable for their history as well as the sheer value of the items themselves.
A company in Florida that specializes in finding sunken treasure has discovered a ship carrying millions of dollars worth of silver. Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc has discovered the SS Mantola that was torpedoed by a German ship back in 1917. The sliver was insured for 110,000 British pounds back then, but is worth much more now and Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc will be able to keep 80 percent of the value of the treasure with the other 20 percent going to the British government.
The recovery will start next year, as they will wait for the water to be calm and clear for easy recovery. They feel that the operation will go well as the ship is sitting upright and the silver can easy be removed from a large opening. It is as if the ship is docked and ready to be unloaded. It is 8,000 feet deep, which could make the process a bit difficult, but considering the circumstances, Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc is optimistic.
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc is no stranger to huge hauls such as this as they scored one back in 2007, recovering sliver and other treasures from a Spanish ship. The Spanish government is seeking to recover the treasure as they claim they never gave Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc the required clearance to recover the goods. They still have the treasure, but have stored it away in an undisclosed location for safekeeping until the matter is resolved.