Ancient Shipwrecks and Rights of Treasure Salvage

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

Sponsored by New York City Bar Association

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Description:  James A. Goold will present on ancient shipwrecks and the legal challenges involved in protecting underwater archaeological sites and sunken treasure from looting. This will include his 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 Senora de las Mercedes. Currently, Jim represents France against treasure hunters to protect sunken French warships dating from 1565 in Florida waters. He 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.