The coasts of Portugalmore precisely the Azores and Madeira islands, hide under their waters a living testimony of centuries of navigation. Documented shipwrecks in these regions add up to a total of 8,620 boatsturning the country into a true underwater museum of maritime history. Among them, 250 shipwrecks They stand out for being potential treasure bearers.as detailed in his report by the underwater archaeologist Alexandre Monteirowho decided to dedicate 25 years to researching these historical and cultural vestiges.
Monteiro is a researcher who works hand in hand with the New University of Lisbon and compiled a database covering documented shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century, when historical records began to become more accessible. “I have documented around 7,500 shipwrecks on the continental coast, 1,000 near the Azores and 120 in Madeira,” detailed the Portuguese in statements to the local agency Lusa. This huge record reflects the historical importance of Portuguese waters and raises questions about the preservation of these sites.
Among the documented shipwrecks, archaeologist Monteiro highlights exceptional cases that exemplify the historical and material value of these vessels. For example, “in front of Troia there is a Spanish ship from 1589 called Nossa Senhora do Rosário. I have researched his history and even know the name of the captain’s mother. “Official records indicate that it was transporting 22 tons of gold and silver,” explained to the media art. This treasure, like many others, remains buried under the sand, protected from looters, but vulnerable to possible future construction works.
Monteiro estimates that about 250 shipwrecks They contain similar riches, which underlines the relevance of their discoveries. However, despite the magnitude of these revelations, the researcher warned: “We know there are 250 treasure ships, and sooner or later, a construction project or something similar will uncover them. Still, there is no contingency plan to protect these findings.”
Although the data that was compiled by Monteiro has been published and is publicly accessible, the Portuguese government has not yet taken concrete measures to protect the sites. “The information has been made available to the government through its publication, but they have done nothing about it,” lamented the researcher. This lack of government action reflects a good lost opportunity to preserve an invaluable heritage, both from a cultural and economic point of view.
Monteiro also highlighted how in the past “The biggest tragedy was not knowing how many ships there were or where they were”a void that, thanks to their work, is beginning to be filled. However, the archaeologist insists that identifying these shipwrecks is only the first step: active protection of the sites is essential to prevent their destruction or looting.
Despite the concerns, Monteiro believes the underwater treasures are relatively safe from treasure hunters. “It is difficult for treasure hunters to find them, because most shipwrecks are buried under sand”he assured the news agency. However, the threat does not come from fortune seekers, but from development projects that could expose these sites without preventive measures for their conservation.
The archaeologist also had a moment to remember one of his greatest achievements in shipwreck research: the discovery of the flagship Our Lady of Lightlost in 1615 near Faial, in the Azores. “I wanted to find that boat. It took me four years to research various archives, and on the first dive I did, I found the site of the shipwreck.”he related.
