The wreck of Flor de la Mar, a Portuguese ship thought to contain gold from the sack of Malacca in the 16th century, has reportedly been found off the coast of Semarang in Indonesia. Malaysia has already put a tentative claim on the proceeds from the wreck.
Sunken Portuguese galleon sighted in Java Sea
The Star, 07 April 2014
Underwater drones may have successfully found the 16th-century Portuguese vessel Flor De La Mar, which is believed to have sailed from Malacca with stolen treasure from the sultanate when it sank.
At least two underwater salvage companies have claimed that the galleon that sank during a storm circa 1512 has been sighted in Java Sea, close to Semarang in Indonesia.
They are basing their claims on images beamed by the drones. Underwater drones are commonly used by petroleum companies.
The galleon was reportedly laden with stolen treasure from the Malaccan sultanate, including 60 tonnes of gold, now worth billions of ringgit.
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