Local Diver Discovers Pirate Ship Wreck Off Foa Island, Tonga

Based on the latest developments, the sea depths have decided to unveil one of its well-guarded secrets, namely the whereabouts of the wreck of the Port-au-Prince, a privateer ship of war filled with raided treasures.

The ship has been rediscovered this month off the coast of Foa Island, located within the Ha’apai Group in the center of Tonga, by a local diver Tevita Moala, NZ Herald writes.

Currently the Greenwich Maritime Museum and the Marine Archaeological Society are analyzing samples from the ship so as to confirm what everyone is anxious to know. Based on the copper sheathing found at the site the assumed age has been confirmed since the sheathing dates back to a period between 1780 and 1850 when it was used to protect vessels from worms and marine weeds.

Originally built in France, the 500 tonne ship was captured by the English Navy with a primary goal of sailing to the New World and snatching treasure from the Spaniards.

The legend says that the ship sailed into the Pacific waters in search of whales in 1806 where it was seized by chief Finau Ulukalala and his people, killing the crew and sinking the bounty loaded vessel.

According to a tourism marketing officer in the Tongan Government, Sandra Fifita, if the wreck is proved to be the Port-au-Prince, treasure hunters from across the world including local bounty-hunters may be swarming the area so as to get the hold of the loot.

“Legend tells that the Chief salvaged the iron, which was of great value in Tonga at the time, and then sunk the ship and all her bounty. It is believed that a considerable amount of copper, silver and gold is resting with the wreck, along with a number of silver candlesticks, incense pans, crucifixes and chalices.” sea sead

Aside to its potential economic and touristic impact, the ship bears considerable importance due to its historic value for the people of Tonga, having in mind what artifacts and relics might be found inside the 200-year-old wreck.

[mappress]

World Maritime News Staff, August 9, 2012; Image: MNZ