SUNKEN TREASURE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18233, 18 November 1924, Page 2

SUNKEN TREASURE.

SALVAGE PARTY'S QUEST. Two small trawlers, dragging an iron sweep a mile long on the ocean floor off Virginia Capes, were responsible for the finding of the Ward liner Merida, which sank' in a collision in 1911 with gold, silver, and jewels valued at 5,000,000 dollars (about £1,000,000). The discovery was confirmed by a diver at a depth of 200 ft. The trawlers returned to Norfolk aind notified the New York syndicate of wealthy men under whose direction they worked. ' One member, _ Mr Franklin Mallory, admitted the discovery, but another refused to confirm the report. The search was made with the utmost secrecy owing to the fear of piratical crews who prey on rum-runners. Mr Mallorv said he would not consider the salvaging a success until the treasure had safely arrived in New York. The trawlers Foam and Spray left Brooklyn several weeks ago. They dragged fcr 10 days success. The Merida was rammed .in 1911 by the Admiral Farargut. The passengers and crew were removed safely. Many refugees from Mexico, where a revolt was occurring, lost their jewels. In addition the ship carried a large quantity of cold consigned to New York by the Mexican Government.