250 Shipwrecks with Treasures Discovered Near Portugal, Azores, and Madeira
A researcher has revealed that there are around 250 shipwrecks full of valuable treasures lying in the waters around Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira. These ships sank after 1500, and their wrecks have been mapped by underwater archaeologist Alexandre Monteiro, who has been studying these sites for more than 25 years.
Over 8,600 Shipwrecks Identified in Portuguese Waters
Alexandre Monteiro, who works at Nova University Lisbon, has created a database of over 8,600 shipwrecks along the Portuguese coast. This includes about 7,500 wrecks along the mainland, 1,000 in the Azores, and 120 near Madeira and Porto Santo. These shipwrecks are from after 1500, when better records of shipwrecks started to be kept.
I know that in front of Troy there is a Spanish ship from 1589, called Nossa Senhora da Luz. I investigated and I even know the name of the commander's mother and there are officially 22 tons of gold and silver there
The Search for the "Nossa Senhora da Luz" Shipwreck
One of Monteiro’s most important discoveries involved a ship called the "Nossa Senhora da Luz," which sank in 1615 near Faial in the Azores. Monteiro found a small mention of the wreck in an old document and spent four years researching it. After years of searching, he finally located the wreck site after just one dive. This shows the dedication needed to find these hidden pieces of history.
The Danger of Treasure Hunters
Monteiro is also worried about treasure hunters stealing valuable artifacts from the shipwrecks. He said that without proper protection, these underwater sites could be disturbed or plundered. Monteiro has detailed records about the wreck and is frustrated that the government has not done more to protect these sites and prevent treasure hunters from taking advantage of them.
Source: Diário de NotÃcias da Madeira
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