Odyssey Marine Exploration Salvages the SS Ancona Shipwreck
Posted on October 16, 2008
Filed Under History | 1 Comment
Few know exactly what occurred on November 7, 1915 between the German U-boat and the Italian-American passenger ship, the SS Ancona. All we know is that the U-boat sunk the vessel – sending 83 passengers, 12 barrels of gold and a silver shipment to their watery grave near Sardinia.
Until now, the site remained undisturbed at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. In 2007, Odyssey Marine Exploration believed it found the SS Ancona. It had used underwater sonar and a deep-sea robot (named Zeus) to inspect the site.
Odyssey publicized its discovery with two other shipwrecks, including the Spanish Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes (carrying a 17-ton cargo of silver and gold) in the “Black Swan” case. At this point, the Spanish government became very interested in all of Odyssey’s discoveries.
United States Maritime Law awards the “salvor” with “possession” rights, but not “ownership” rights for a treasure. On April 9, 2007 – Odyssey filed a “warrant of arrest in rem” establishing a “maritime lien” against the SS Ancona shipwreck (believed to be worth between $20 and $60 million). This “established the salvor’s claim to the treasure”.
This case has proceeded slowly before United States District Judge Mark A. Pizzo. On April 2, 2008 – Spain dropped any claim to the SS Ancona, since it was neither in Spanish waters nor a Spanish vessel.
Odyssey hopes to receive the standard 10 to 25% of the treasure. Hopefully, all interested parties will cooperate to ensure the best conclusion for the SS Ancona.
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would any body know where i can find a passenger lists of the SS Ancona thanks