Modern Mysteries

Explorer claims discovery of pirate treasure

By T.K. Randall
October 9, 2016 ·  8 comments

Some of the gold coins found in the shipwreck. Image Credit: CC BY 2.0 Theodore Scott Clifford is certainly no stranger to making groundbreaking maritime discoveries having previously located the Whydah Gally - North America's first authenticated pirate shipwreck.

Now following almost three decades of undersea exploration within the murky waters off Cape Cod, the 70-year-old archaeologist believes that he has, quite literally, struck gold in the form of a large metallic mass which he believes to be the treasure that was once being carried by the ship.

The Whydah Gally, which was captained by the infamous pirate Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy, was believed to have gone down in stormy weather off Wellfleet, Massachusetts, back in 1717.Its heavy load of gold and other riches was thought to have contributed to how quickly it sank however the final whereabouts of this treasure has always remained something of a mystery.

But has Clifford really discovered the ship's long-lost riches or are his claims a little premature ?

"Barry Clifford's many claims can be very exciting, if they can be verified with photographs or scientific proof," said Smithsonian curator Paul Johnston. "Until then, it's just talk."

A video detailing Clifford's original discovery of the Whydah Gally can be viewed below.


Source: CBS News | Comments (8)

Tags: Pirate, Treasure