DIVERNET NEWS

DATELINE: 29 August 2002

MYSTERY TREASURE HAS EXPERTS GUESSING
Three divers who recovered a tin ingot from an unknown wreck off the Pembrokeshire coast have perplexed academics with their find.
Simon Donovan, Steve Burke and Shaun Lewis from Cynon Valley Sub Aqua Club came across the treasure 'by accident' while out diving an unknown mark in June. They uncovered a large ingot which turned out to be made of Cornish tin, but found no other signs of wreckage.
So far, the identity of the wreck carrying the tin - believed to be early nineteenth century in origin - has proved elusive. Experts from the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, and the University of Glamorgan have so far drawn a blank, despite finding markings on the ingot indicating its date of manufacture.
The local media believe that there are many more ingots to be retrieved and that the value of the find could be as much as £1 million.
The Receiver of Wreck was a little surprised to hear the valuation. "I haven't actually received a claim form yet, so I cannot comment. I am however, well aware of the find." She told Divernet.
Steve Burke dismissed the talk of further ingots being found as media speculation. "We would like to see the ingot go on display in a museum where it will be of greater value historically." He said.