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| Massive Shipwreck Discovery Reveals Long-Lost Pirate Treasure Near Madagascar. |
Lost Pirate Treasure Found: 300-Year-Old Shipwreck and 3,300 Artifacts Discovered Off Madagascar Coast
In a stunning breakthrough, American archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a centuries-old sailing ship off the coast of Madagascar. The wreck, identified as the Nossa Senhora do Cabo, dates back to 1721 and is believed to have been captured and sunk by infamous pirate captain Olivier Levasseur, also known as La Buse.
The shipwreck was found in the shallow waters near Nosy Boraha Island in the Indian Ocean. During the early 18th century, this small harbor was a known hideout during the so-called Golden Age of Piracy.
Shipwreck Identified After 16 Years of Research
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| Massive Shipwreck Discovery Reveals Long-Lost Pirate Treasure Near Madagascar. |
Although the wreckage was initially discovered over 16 years ago, researchers only recently confirmed its identity. Brandon Clifford, co-founder of the Center for Historical Shipwreck Preservation, stated that the identification was supported by several lines of evidence, including ship design analysis, historical records, and artifacts recovered from the site.
Over 3,300 Historical Artifacts Recovered
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| Massive Shipwreck Discovery Reveals Long-Lost Pirate Treasure Near Madagascar. |
The underwater excavation revealed more than 3,300 artifacts—many of which offer insight into global trade and religion during the colonial era. Among the recovered items were:
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Gold coins with Arabic inscriptions
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Fragments of fine porcelain
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Wooden and ivory religious statues
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A depiction of the Virgin Mary and a crucifix fragment
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An ivory plaque with the gold inscription “INRI”
Experts believe many of these items were crafted in Goa, India, and were originally bound for Lisbon, Portugal.
Because the artifacts spent centuries underwater, the restoration process has been extremely delicate, and many items have yet to be fully identified.
A Ship Doomed by Nature and Pirates
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| Massive Shipwreck Discovery Reveals Long-Lost Pirate Treasure Near Madagascar. |
Historical accounts reveal that the Nossa Senhora do Cabo set sail in early 1721, carrying valuable cargo along with the Portuguese viceroy and an archbishop. On April 8 of that year, the vessel was attacked by pirates near the French island of Réunion.
The ship had already been damaged by a powerful storm, and its crew had thrown overboard many of the cannons to stay afloat—making it an easy target for pirate raiders.
The treasure on board reportedly included gold bars and chests full of pearls. According to modern estimates, the value of the loot could exceed 138 million US dollars, or around 2.2 trillion rupiah.
While the viceroy was later ransomed, the fate of the archbishop and the rest of the crew remains unknown.
Unlocking Pirate Legends Through Real History
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| Massive Shipwreck Discovery Reveals Long-Lost Pirate Treasure Near Madagascar. |
This incredible discovery is not just about treasure—it’s a time capsule from one of the most notorious chapters in maritime history. The shipwreck offers new insights into the real lives of pirates, the reach of colonial empires, and the hidden stories that still lie beneath the waves.
For history buffs, adventurers, and curious minds alike, the Nossa Senhora do Cabo shipwreck is a thrilling reminder that the ocean still guards many secrets—some worth billions, others simply priceless.