Shipwrecks

International scrap over treasure-laden Spanish galleon that sunk off the Colombian coast in 1708

Everyone wants to get their hands on the San José, a ship full of gold, silver and emeralds submerged in the Caribbean Sea—but at what archaeological cost?

Have archaeologists discovered Captain Cook's ship Endeavour? Experts in the US and Australia fight it out

The director of Sydney’s Australian National Maritime Museum announced that he is "convinced" it is the long-lost vessel, while the director of Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project says the findings are not conclusive

'A vast underwater museum': Greece plans to open shipwrecks and other submerged heritage sites for visitors to explore

Experienced divers and casual bathers alike will gain access to ancient marine monuments, which remain where they were found on the seabed

Draft Unesco Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage would extend controls 200 miles out from the coast

If the draft is approved by two-thirds of member countries at the General Conference next month it will be sent out for ratification. US and Russian support unlikely.

Unescoarchive

Unesco adopts a new Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage to protect shipwrecks lying in international waters

However, the US and UK say the it conflicts with existing maritime legislation and Russia, Norway, Turkey, and Venezuela vote no

Decisive times for underwater archaeology: Who owns the watery past?

There are an estimated three million undiscovered shipwrecks scattered throughout the world’s oceans. UNESCO is calling for a global treaty to protect them. Salvors say it is unrealistic and unworkable.

Unescoarchive

Deliberation over ownership of submerged vessels and their booty at the bottom of the ocean leads to Unesco intervention

An estimated three million shipwrecks lay undiscovered. UNESCO is calling for a global treaty to protect them. Salvors say it is unrealistic and unworkable, despite developments in deep-sea exploration technology

Unescoarchive

Where underwater treasure-hunters go, legislation must follow: Unesco's proposal explained

Unesco is calling for a global treaty to prevent commercial interests from destroying shipwrecks found in international waters