In the waters surrounding the Canary Islands lies a hidden treasure that has eluded discovery for over 140 years. This legend, which has captivated the imagination of treasure hunters and divers alike, tells of lost riches, sunken ships, and the untamed depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite countless searches, this treasure remains undiscovered, and its story continues to intrigue.
Unlike a mere myth, the tale of the lost treasure in the Canaries has its roots in history. The remains of ancient shipwrecks are believed to be submerged beneath the island’s waters, filled with valuables that never reached their destinations.
These ships, some dating back centuries, are said to have been carrying gold, jewels, and precious metals, now lost to the sea. While many view it as legend, some adventurers are convinced of its existence and have tried to locate it.
One of the most valuable of these lost treasures is said to lie off the southeast coast of Gran Canaria: a chest filled with gold coins, estimated to be worth 3.4 million euros. Despite years of searching, the treasure has yet to be found.
The origins of this unique treasure trace back to the era of colonisation and the maritime trade routes that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The Canary Islands, strategically located along these routes, were a frequent stop for ships transporting valuable goods.
Over time, storms, strong ocean currents, and pirate attacks led to the sinking of numerous vessels, creating a marine graveyard filled with untold riches beneath the waves.
Among these wrecks is the Alfonso XII, a 110-metre-long steamship that sank on February 13th, 1885. The ship was carrying 100,000 gold coins, distributed in ten chests, meant to pay Spanish soldiers stationed in Cuba. Nine of these chests were recovered, but one, valued at 3.4 million euros, was never found.
While scattered coins from the Alfonso XII have been discovered and cherished by lucky divers, the chest itself has remained elusive. Speculation continues as to whether an expert diver has secretly retrieved it or if it still lies hidden on the ocean floor, waiting to be found by a skilled treasure hunter.
The story of this lost fortune adds an air of mystery to the Canary Islands, blending history and legend into a captivating tale that beckons adventurers to seek the riches still buried in the depths of the Atlantic.
