Marine archaeologist Alexandre Monteiro has revealed that the coast of Portugal, particularly between the Azores and Madeira islands, is home to approximately 8,620 shipwrecks, with 250 believed to contain gold treasures.

Monteiro, who works with Nova University in Lisbon, has compiled a database documenting shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century.

Notably, he identified a Spanish ship, Nossa Senhora do Rosário, near Troia, which allegedly carried 22 tons of gold and silver, though its exact location remains unknown.

While these wrecks are secure from looting due to their depth, Monteiro warns that construction projects could threaten these valuable cultural and economic sites, the Greek Reporter has reported.

Despite his findings being accessible to Portuguese officials, no protective measures have been taken, prompting calls for greater preservation efforts.

Written by B.C. Begley