Shipwreck found off Malacca

An archaeologist has claimed the discovery of a Dutch shipwreck off Malacca – it appears that his discovery of the wrecks have been done without the permissions of the local museums department though.

Diver tells of sunken treasure in Malacca
The Star, 01 July 2012

An archaeologist diver claims to have discovered the remains of a sunken Dutch merchant vessel containing RM500mil worth of cultural relics, about three nautical miles off Pulau Besar here.

The Kuala Lumpur-based archaeologist, who wanted to be known only as David so he could remain anonymous, believes the vessel could have escaped the roving eyes of underwater relic hunters as it was buried by undersea sand.

The wooden galleon is said to have sunk with the loads of treasures about 400 years ago. It may have a number of well-preserved relics like ceramics, old coins, beads, glass and gold ingots.

David believes the find is the first intact wreck related to the Dutch occupation of Malacca.

Full story here.