Odyssey seeks out sunken ship

Treasure seekers search for missing World War II vessel

The treasure seekers at Odyssey Marine Exploration have hit the headlines again when it was announced they would be attempting to find a World War II ship containing £70 million worth of silver.

The SS Gairsoppa was travelling from India to the UK in 1941 when it started to run out of fuel near the coast of Ireland. While attempting to make it to the safe haven of Galway harbour, it was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine. The ship was carrying silver ingots, pig iron and tea.

The British government has teamed up with deep sea salvage specialists Odyssey in the hope of recovering the treasure. The wreck is believed to rest over 6,000 feet under the water and the American company has some of the most technologically advanced equipment on the planet.

Odyssey will have two years to find and bring up the silver based on the terms of the agreement with the government. Any treasure recovered will be split between the company and the transport department, although it is believed the majority will go to Odyssey.

Read more about Odyssey here