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

1. Jamaica's Port Royal

Port Royal: The Vanished Pirate Haven Current Value: Unknown Year Lost: 1692 Year Discovered: N/A (2,000 Residents Remain) Port Royal in Jamaica was once the ultimate stronghold for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. This lively port was a magnet for those who targeted Spanish ships, blending immense wealth with notorious lawlessness. Famed for lavish displays of pirate treasures and a reputation for wild indulgence, Port Royal attracted Dutch and English pirates eager to spend their fortunes.
In the 1600s, Port Royal thrived as a bustling trading center where pirates from as far as Madagascar gathered to celebrate their victories. Its vibrant culture and legendary status made it the heart of pirate lore. Jamaica's Port Royal Disaster struck on June 7, 1692, when a powerful earthquake and massive tsunami devastated Port Royal, sweeping much of the city into the sea. Further tremors and waves later submerged even more of the area. What nature didn’t destroy was later consumed by fire and a cholera outbreak in 1850. Today, most of Port Royal lies underwater, with only a small, struggling community remaining. The ruins serve as a chilling reminder of a once-glorious pirate city lost to time and the elements.

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