I’m not sure about this one. UNESCO can pound sand, but if the sunken treasure lies within the territorial waters of a sovereign nation, shouldn’t the laws of that nation apply?
What’s going to happen if they find something on Oak Island?
Reading the article more thoroughly, it looks like the Panamanian government is arguing with itself. There is a bit of sketchy dealing all around. The Panamanian partners likely were able to secure their salvage contract through friendships within one branch of the government. Another branch of the Panamanian government came in after the fact citing ‘cultural heritage’ as a means of stealing the treasure.
“Don’t come back here Yankee, and if I ever do, I’ll take more money, cause all she wants to do is dance.”