A recent expedition has unearthed remarkable treasures from the wreck of the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, which sank in 1656 off the coast of the Bahamas. This galleon was part of a fleet transporting royal treasures from Havana to Spain when it collided with another ship and struck a reef, leading to its sinking. Out of the 650 individuals aboard, only 45 survived the tragic incident.
The expedition, led by Allen Exploration and sanctioned by the Bahamian government, aimed to retrace the lost treasure after countless previous salvage efforts by various nations since the 17th century had looted much of the site. The team, which included both Bahamian and U.S. marine archaeologists and divers, employed advanced technology to track the galleon’s debris trail, leading to the discovery of invaluable artifacts.
Among the treasures recovered are a nearly two-pound gold filigree chain adorned with rosette motifs, suitable for the wealthy or royal, and a gold pendant featuring the Cross of Santiago, encircled by twelve emeralds. Another notable find is a scallop-shaped Indian bezoar stone, known in Europe for its supposed healing properties and linked to the Order of Santiago, a group that protected pilgrims on their journeys.
Carl Allen, the founder of Allen Exploration, expressed a deep connection to the recovered items, particularly the pendant and emerald, calling them bridges between daily lives and historical significance. He reflected on the tough history of the wreck, which had been subjected to extensive looting before this latest expedition.
In addition to the treasure hunt, the Allen Exploration team is also focused on ecological efforts, including assessing coral reef health, seafloor geology, and plastic pollution levels in the region. The artifacts discovered during the expedition are property of the Bahamian government and will be displayed at the forthcoming Bahamas Maritime Museum, which opens on August 8th in Freeport.
This combination of historical recovery and dedication to environmental stewardship underlines the significance of the expedition—not just in retrieving lost artifacts, but in enhancing our understanding and preservation of both cultural heritage and marine ecosystems.
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