On Feb. 19, 1694 the Admiral Sir Francis Wheeler's flagship, HMS Sussex and an armada of other British ships were en route to a secret meeting with the Duke of Savoy. Wheeler and Sussex were carrying a large amount of gold and coin to offer to the Duke to keep him from joining the war on the side of the French.

The ships ran headlong into a terrible storm and as you might guess, several ships sank, including Sussex and her treasure. It was not until the 20th century that the story was learned and this sparked a search by a well known underwater salvage company.

The Sussex is currently being salvaged and the treasure, which could be the largest in history, may be valued at one billion dollars.

© 2008 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com