Wreck of the SS Port Nichols worth $3bn found

American shipwreck explorer Greg Brooks of Sub Sea Reaserch claims to have located the wreck of the SS Port Nichols, a British merchant ship sunk during World War II that was believed to be carrying a cargo of platinum, now worth $3 billion. If these speculations are confirmed, we may be dealing with one of the greatest treasures ever found in the deep sea.

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According to Brooks, the vessel rests at a depth of 213m, about 80km off the New England coast. Sub Sea Reaserch has identified the vessel, based on the hull number, which was filmed using a special camera. Explorers hope to begin work later this month to recover the cargo from the wreck, which has been lying on the seabed since 1942.

Of course, it would be too beautiful if history were to end here. As a lawyer representing the British government stated: “It is doubtful that there was a cargo of platinum in the holds. What will happen if it turns out that the precious metal was transported through SS Port Nichols? This topic will probably become the subject of a heated international discussion, because there is no shortage of people eager to grab the profits.

Brooks, citing documents from the US Treasury Department, is certain that there were platinum bars on board. This is also confirmed by video footage showing 30 boxes allegedly containing platinum.

“I’m going to get to him anyway. One way or another, it doesn’t matter. If need be, I’m prepared to lift the whole wreck out of the water! Of course there are sceptics about what Port Nichols was carrying, but the world is full of sceptics who question every single thing in the world,” – Brooks ironises.

A wreck sunk in the early 1940s by a Nieman U-Boat, the SS Port Nichols, was carrying to the US, payment for military supplies to the Soviets. 71 tonnes of platinum, worth $53m at the time. According to its finder, in addition to platinum, the vessel was also carrying gold and diamonds.

The wreck was located by Brooks in 2008 using sonar, but until now, everything was kept secret from the media. All because of ongoing negotiations over the rights to the treasure. Although there is still no final conclusion, the treasure hunter has decided to make the whole matter public.

Anthony Shusta, a Florida attorney representing the UK, issued a statement conveying the position of his principal. London, until it is established what is actually in the holds, does not intend to take any action.

“We are still investigating what kind of cargo, was on the ship. Our findings indicate that it was mainly machinery and military equipment,” – Shusta said.

The United States government, on the other hand, has not yet stepped in, and it is highly doubtful that it will, as the USSR has finally settled its arrears for supplies received during World War II.

Maritime law is complicated and, in places, very unclear, and given the value of the find, we can be sure that there will be many takers and no one will give up easily.

Source: bbc.co.uk, dailymail.com