Free Republic

KEY WEST, FLA.—Shipwreck experts are evaluating a centuries-old-101-centimetre gold chain plucked from the sea floor while searching for a 17th-century sunken Spanish galleon off the Florida Keys. The piece is tentatively valued at about $250,000. It is believed to be from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, which sank during a 1622 hurricane. It was found Wednesday by divers from Mel Fisher’s Treasures about 55 kilometres west of Key West. The chain has 55 links, an enameled gold cross and a two-sided engraved religious medallion featuring the Virgin Mary and a chalice.

Photos from deadly train attacks in Spain 05:26 PM MST on Thursday, March 11, 2004 Compiled by kgw.com Staff Here's a collection of Associated Press photographs from Thursday's deadly explosions in Madrid, Spain.Click on any image below to enlarge the picture for viewing. Rescue workers remove a victim from a train at Atocha train station following a blast there, after explosions rocked three stations in Madrid Thursday, March 11, 2004, just three days before Spain's general elections. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Rescue workers collect the bodies of victims of an explosion at the Atocha train station, after explosions rocked three train...

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- At least one explosion rocked a Madrid train station Thursday, news reports and witnesses said. Police cars raced to the Atocha station after the early morning explosion. An Associated Press reporter saw a woman with a bloodied face outside the station. Medics were seen treating at least three people. People living near the station said they heard at least two blasts. MORE...

Who Owns Lost Ships? by Peter Tyson In one sense, the question is moot. The sea owns lost ships, of course. Tens of thousands of shipwrecks litter the beds of oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water. Some of them have rested there for thousands of years and will likely remain there forever. But when human beings find and covet a wreck -- for its historical value, its diving possibilities, its gold -- then the question suddenly becomes rabidly contentious. [click the link for the whole article]