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Monday, 23rd February 2009 (1160 views)

Tonnes of gold bullion are currently lying on the ocean floor off the coast of Chile as the boat carrying the cargo has capsized in stormy weather.

The Argentinean gold was mined from the Santa Cruz region and was being transported along the Magellan straits, before the crew of the Polar Mist abandoned the ship but left the engines running in order to ensure there was no petrol pollution.

An investigation is now being conducted into the incident by authorities in the region.

Its final destination was Switzerland but the bullion now lies 80 metres below the surface of the water, with other ships being restricted from entering the area where the boat may have come to rest.

This news follows the recent discovery of the HMS Victory wreck, which disappeared off the coast of the Channel Islands in 1744.

It is thought that as many as 100,000 gold coins could have gone down with the vessel.

 

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