Ancient Shipwrecks Program and Registration
Ancient Shipwrecks and Rights of Treasure Salvage
James A. Goold, an attorney at the Washington, D.C. office of Covington & Burling LLP, will give a video and slide presentation on ancient shipwrecks and the legal challenges involved in protecting underwater archaeological sites and sunken treasure from looting. This will include Jim’s successful representation of the government of Spain against treasure salvors to win repatriation to Spain of seventeen tons of gold and silver coins taken from the 17th century wreck of a Spanish naval frigate, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. Currently, Jim represents France against treasure hunters to protect sunken French warships dating from 1565 in Florida waters. Jim will also discuss marine archeological work he has done with his non-profit organization, RPM Nautical Foundation, which includes underwater archaeological sites across the Mediterranean from Spain to Turkey. This presentation promises to be fascinating both to the lawyer, for its interesting legal issues, and to the layman, for its historical and archeological interest.