El Salvador Estimated Current Value: $601,271*
Year of Disappearance: 1750
Year of Discovery: 2015
The Spanish treasure ship El Salvador sank in 1750 while carrying over $600,000 in commercial and Spanish Treasury funds, adjusted for inflation. The ship was loaded with a substantial amount of pesos, sixteen chests of silver, and four chests of gold. A hurricane was responsible for the shipwreck.
Conclusion The loss of the El Salvador highlights the risks faced by treasure ships during the Age of Exploration. Its estimated value of $601,271 reflects the significant wealth it carried, underscoring the historical importance of maritime trade and the treasures lost to the sea. The ship's discovery in 2015 provides a valuable opportunity to study its cargo and the broader context of 18th-century maritime history.
El Salvador
The El Salvador, along with six of her sister ships, was struck by a hurricane off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida. The ship ultimately ran aground at the North Carolina Outer Banks. Tragically, most of the treasure on board remains unfound, and only four crew members survived the wreck. Despite the shipwreck's rediscovery in 2015, a dispute has arisen between the government of North Carolina and a private Florida business regarding excavation rights.
Conclusion The story of the El Salvador is not only one of loss but also of ongoing conflict over historical treasures. The unresolved dispute over excavation rights highlights the complexities of maritime heritage and the legal challenges associated with shipwrecks. As treasure hunters and historians alike seek to uncover the lost riches, the El Salvador remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers and the enduring allure of sunken treasures.
