Dive into Fortune: 11 Unbelievable (& Profitable) Underwater Discoveries That'll Leave You in Awe.

6. The Esmeralda

The Esmeralda: A Historical Treasure Estimated Current Value: $100 million* Disappeared: 1503 Found: 2008 The Esmeralda, a ship belonging to the renowned explorer Vasco da Gama, holds the distinction of being the oldest recorded shipwreck from the European Age of Exploration. In 1503, the vessel was tragically sunk by a violent storm in the Arabian Sea while navigating the perilous "India Route." For centuries, the wreck lay undisturbed beneath the waves until its discovery in 2008, revealing a treasure trove of historical significance.

The Discovery of the Esmeralda Shipwreck The Esmeralda shipwreck was discovered in 1998, but excavation efforts did not commence until the early 2000s. This significant underwater find yielded a remarkable collection of artifacts, including rare coins, a ship's bell, and an astrolabe. Among these treasures, the astrolabe stands out for its historical importance; it is recognized as the first known mariner's astrolabe, believed to have been crafted in the late fourteenth century.