A Russian Warship Was Discovered with an Estimated $130 Billion in Gold on Board by RENAE REINTS |
July 18, 2018
A sunken Russian warship
estimated to contain 200 tons of gold bullion and coins
was discovered about one mile off the coast of the South
Korean island of Ulleungdo. Today, that amount of gold is
worth 150 trillion won, or $130 billion, CNBC reports.
Shinil Group, the South Korean treasure-hunting
company that led the search, announced their discovery on
Sunday. According to The Telegraph, a joint team with experts
from South Korea, Britain, and Canada used two manned submersibles
to film the wreck at a depth of more than 1,400 feet. They
hope to raise the ship, known as Dmitrii Donskoi, in October
or November.
The gold on board could be the treasury
of the entire fleet, U.K. newspaper Express reports, carrying
enough for port expenses and the salaries of every sailor
and officer. Shinil Group reported that half the gold will
be returned to the Russian government, while 10% of the
rest would be used to fund tourism projects for the island
of Ulleungdo. This includes plans for a museum dedicated
to the ship.
The Russian Imperial Navy cruiser sunk 113
years ago during the Russo-Japanese war. Express reports
the ship was a part of the Russian Baltic fleet, and would
have taken part in the Battle of Tsushima, a Japanese victory.
The hull and stern of the sunken ship are damaged, but according
to a press release, the upper deck and the armored side
of the hull are well preserved. Anchors and machine guns
remain in place, while all three masts are reported broken.