The deep-sea discovery revives an old story about gold, disputes and jurisdiction, which still holds an important detail. Dozens of tonnes of gold lie 2,000 metres below the surface of the water. The truth is that this emblematic case is historic: the famous 19th-century ship with a cargo of gold was discovered several decades ago and lies more than two kilometres deep in the Atlantic Ocean. Over time, the story has gained new layers: expeditions in 1988-1991 and a recent operation in 2014 have recovered coins, ingots and coins. Historical estimates speak of dozens of tonnes shipped in 1857, but only a small part has been recovered.
Here’s how the “gold ship” was actually found
According to historical records about the SS Central America, the find was discovered in 1988 at a depth of about 2,200 metres (7,200 feet) in the western Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina. During subsequent salvage operations (in the late 1980s and in 2014), part of the cargo was recovered. The last of these took place recently, in 2014. The SS Central America, known for its cargo of gold, lies at a depth of more than 2000 metres. Image: archive. Historical estimates put the initial cargo at tens of tonnes (ingots, coins and California gold dust). What was recovered from this find was subject to legal proceedings for distribution and liquidation.
Origin of treasures at the bottom of the sea
In this case, jurisdiction belonged to the US maritime vessels and the state of South Carolina. The courts recognised the salvage rights and claims of the various parties. In 1988-1991, the gold was extracted, and in 2014, an expedition was carried out using remotely operated vehicles. After the legal proceedings and settlements, the material was distributed among investors, salvors and claimants, in accordance with the court’s decision; the state reserved the right of ownership and regulation.
Gold under water: key figures from the SS Central America case
Basic data to contextualise the “discovery of the century”:
- Depth: 2,200 metres (7,200 feet).
- Location: western Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of South Carolina (USA).
- Recent discovery: 1988; recovery in the late 1980s and in 2014.
- Estimated cargo: dozens of tonnes in 1857; only a portion was recovered and handed over to the court.
