4011) Did You Know Series (106): 1) The Portuguese Carrack Nossa Senhora do Cabo returning from Goa, India to Lisbon, Portugal captured by Pirates: 2) The Carrack was already compromised by a storm before its capture, and it presented little resistance to the Pirates raid and was shipwrecked: 3) Discovering the lost Treasure worth $138 Million today, Off Madagascar’s Coast:
The Nossa Senhora do Cabo, a Portuguese carrack, was captured by pirates near Réunion Island in April 1721.
The ship was returning from Goa to Lisbon, laden with a substantial treasure, including diamonds, gold and silver, and the Viceroy of Portuguese India.
The pirates, including Olivier Levasseur (also known as La Buse) and John Taylor, seized the treasure and ransomed the Viceroy.
The event is notable for the rich haul of the pirates and the subsequent legend surrounding a cryptogram supposedly thrown into the crowd by Levasseur before his execution.
The Treasure:
The ship was reportedly carrying a vast treasure, including jewels, gold, silver, and other valuables, making it one of the richest pirate hauls in history.
It also had the retiring Viceroy of Portuguese India on board, and he was later ransomed by the pirates.
Before his execution, Levasseur is said to have thrown a cryptogram into the crowd, claiming it held the location of his treasure. This cryptogram has become a subject of much speculation and treasure hunting.
The capture of the Nossa Senhora do Cabo is a significant event in the history of piracy and has inspired stories and legends, including the famous cryptogram.
Finding the shipwreck/treasure of the Nossa Senhora do Cabo:
Archaeologists have made significant breakthroughs in their investigation of the submerged wreck of the Nossa Senhora do Cabo, the Portuguese carrack that met its fate during a pirate raid in 1721 near Madagascar.
This discovery follows 16 years of meticulous research led by the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation.
The wreck is situated on the seabed of a small harbour on Nosy Boraha in the Indian Ocean, an island off Madagascar’s northeast coast, historically known as "Île Sainte-Marie" during the notorious “Golden Age of Piracy.”
The identification of the wreck as Nossa Senhora do Cabo is bolstered by a robust array of evidence, according to Brandon Clifford, co-founder and director of the research center.
Among the evidence are structural analyses of the ship’s timber remains, various historical records, and a plethora of artifacts unearthed from the wreck site. These findings include devotional figurines and objects crafted from wood and ivory, such as a depiction of the Virgin Mary, a part of a crucifix, and an ivory plaque inscribed with “INRI,” a significant abbreviation from the Christian gospels, suggesting these items were likely produced in Goa, the heart of Portuguese colonial activity in India at the time.
The ship’s tragic backstory adds weight to its historical significance.
Nossa Senhora do Cabo departed Goa in early 1721, destined for Lisbon, carrying high-profile passengers including the outgoing Portuguese viceroy and the Archbishop of Goa.
However, on April 8, 1721, it was assaulted and captured by a fleet of pirates near Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
Reports from the time indicate that the vessel was laden with a remarkable treasure, including gold and silver ingots and a heavily embellished cross worth over 200 pounds in gold.
The treasure, which included valuable items such as gold coins, precious stones, and fine pottery, was considered one of the largest pirate hauls in history. This discovery provides a rare glimpse into the scale of maritime piracy during the 18th century, when pirates were known for their brutality and their ability to seize enormous fortunes from ships traveling between the East and Europe.
Researchers have so far recovered more than 3,300 artifacts from the wreck site, although many items remain concealed beneath layers of sand and silt.
The ship was already compromised by a storm before its capture, leading to a hasty jettison of its cannons to lighten the load, suggesting that it presented little resistance to the pirate raid.
After the capture, the viceroy was ransomed, yet the fate of the archbishop and approximately 200 enslaved individuals aboard remains unknown.
The treasure trove that the Nossa Senhora do Cabo carried is estimated to be worth more than $138 million today, a staggering sum reflective of the ship’s valuable cargo.
Following its seizure, the pirates navigated to Madagascar to partition their newfound riches. The sheltered harbors of Île Sainte-Marie offered a strategic refuge for pirates, which lacked colonial oversight, making it an ideal setting for their operations during this period.
Clifford highlights that many shipwrecks from this era were either lost or deliberately scuttled in the vicinity, with estimates suggesting that between seven to ten wrecks can be found around Île Sainte-Marie alone.
Archaeologist Mark Agostini remarked that the site had been previously overlooked by researchers, emphasising the untapped potential for future explorations to unearth additional discoveries of historical significance.
A long-Lost Pirate Shipwreck Reveals “eyewatering Treasure” Worth $138 Million Off Madagascar’s Coast
“The entire haul was an eyewatering treasure, even by pirate standards,” stated Clifford and Agostini in their report. The significance of this find cannot be overstated, as it not only reveals the riches that pirates targeted but also provides insight into the wealth-driven motivations of the time.
Artifacts recovered at the wreck site include gold coins inscribed with Arabic writing and pieces of fine porcelain.
Sainte-Marie Island: A Forgotten Treasure Trove:
The wreck was discovered off Sainte-Marie Island, which had been overlooked by archaeologists in the past. Agostini, one of the researchers involved in the study, explained that “archaeologists had previously overlooked Île Sainte-Marie and the scientific treasures it contained.”
The island, which was historically a pirate haven, now emerges as a key site for future maritime archaeology.
Future fieldwork is essential to uncover more wrecks around Sainte-Marie Island, a location that may have played a larger role in the history of piracy than previously understood. “Ideally, future fieldwork will lead to more analysis of the many wrecks there,” Agostini added, suggesting that the region could offer even more insights into the world of 18th-century piracy.
The researchers believe that continued exploration of the island and its waters could lead to further discoveries that might shed light on the strategies and operations of pirate crews in the Indian Ocean during the "Age of Sail".
The archaeological investigations have revealed wooden frames from the hull of Nossa Senhora do Cabo among the ballast stones.
Archaeological Investigation: A 16-Year Journey:
The discovery of this shipwreck was the culmination of over 16 years of painstaking archaeological work. Beginning in 1999, the Centre for Historic Shipwreck Preservation undertook a comprehensive investigation of the wreck site. Through careful excavation and analysis, the team was able to piece together the history of the ship, its cargo, and the pirates who captured it.
This lengthy process was crucial for confirming the identity of the wreck, which was finally identified as the Portuguese treasure ship that had been captured by pirates in 1721. “The identification of the wreck is supported by multiple lines of evidence,” explained Clifford, co-founder of the Centre for Historic Shipwreck Preservation, in an email to Live Science. This statement highlights the rigorous methodology used in the investigation, ensuring that the wreck’s identity was confirmed beyond doubt.
The study not only uncovered valuable artifacts but also revealed important details about the ship’s final moments before it was left stranded due to storm damage. The wreck site is a testament to the resilience of archaeological methods and the dedication of those involved in uncovering the hidden stories beneath the sea.
More posts on shipwrecks on this blog:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
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DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very interesting and wonderful post👍"
Thank you so much Khanna sahab.
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