Newly Found Shipwreck Holds Treasure Worth Over £101 Million Off Madagascar

• A 300-year-old shipwreck with £101 million in treasure has been discovered off Madagascar’s coast.
• The sunken ship, identified as Nossa Senhora do Cabo, was attacked by pirates in 1721.
• Over 3,300 artefacts, including gold ingots and religious figurines, were recovered from the wreck site.

Treasure Trove Found in Historical Shipwreck Off Madagascar

Underwater archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery off the coast of Madagascar, unearthing a 300-year-old shipwreck filled with treasure estimated to be over £101 million. This ship, believed to be the Nossa Senhora do Cabo, sank during a pirate raid back in 1721, making its find particularly intriguing given the historical context of its sinking. The loss of the ship was not just a maritime tragedy; it represented a significant blow to the Portuguese Empire, which valued the vessel not only for its cargo but also for its military capabilities, as it was a heavily armed carrack.

Resurgence of Interest in Maritime Archaeology

The Nossa Senhora do Cabo was allegedly transporting goods from Goa, India, to Lisbon, Portugal, when it was attacked on April 8, 1721, by pirates led by the infamous Captain Olivier “The Buzzard” Levasseur. This raid is often cited as one of the most famous incidents of the Golden Age of Piracy due to the sheer volume of treasure stolen during the attack. Researchers from the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation who have spent 16 years tracking down this shipwreck, located it in Ambodifotatra Bay near Nosy Boraha. They have retrieved over 3,300 artefacts from the wreck site, including religious objects, gold ingots, and even treasure-filled chests that paint a vivid picture of the valuable cargo that was lost.

Historical Context of Shipwreck Riches

Among the artifacts recovered is an extraordinary ivory plaque inscribed with the Latin words “INRI”, which translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. Researchers such as Brandon A. Clifford and Mark R. Agostini from Brown University have expressed that this find is what they describe as “an eyewatering treasure, even by pirate standards.” According to their estimates, when adjusting for inflation, the treasure could be worth over £108 million today. This discovery has sparked renewed interest in maritime archaeology, especially considering the recent finding of the Spanish galleon San Jose, which supposedly carries a treasure trove exceeding £16 billion.

The recent discovery of the Nossa Senhora do Cabo shipwreck off Madagascar is a significant archaeological find, highlighting both the wealth and the historical context of piracy in the early 18th century. This vessel, lost during a notorious raid led by Captain Levasseur, is rich in artifacts that reflect the complex circumstances of the era, from the valuable goods transported to the troubling history of enslavement. As more treasures are found in similar historical contexts, it opens new discussions about our understanding of maritime history and the interplay between commerce and piracy during that time.