Las Cinco Chagas
In 1594, this Portuguese carrack was nearing a long trip from India to Portugal, carrying more than 1,100 people. Under the command of Francisco de Mello, the ship was supposedly loaded with “precious stones and all the best from India” from taking on the cargo of two other vessels that had been lost in combat.
According to reports, the Chagas carried 22 chests of treasure, including diamonds, rubies, and pearls, estimated today to be worth over 1 billion dollars. But as it approached Portugal, the ship was attacked by British pirate ships and bombarded nonstop for two days. Finally, it caught fire, and on July 13, 1594, it sank.
The Cinco Chagas lies in water over one mile deep in the Atlantic Ocean with its precious cargo. Treasure hunters have searched for the wreck, but partly due to its depth, no signs have been found.
