Set against the vibrant backdrop of Madagascar, a remarkable tale of adventure and discovery unfolds. This story invites us into the depths of history, revealing a long-lost shipwreck that echoes with the whispers of pirates and hidden treasures, all thanks to the dedication of a passionate research team.
In the shimmering waters off the coast of Madagascar, the intriguing narrative of the Nossa Senhora do Cabo comes to life. This 700-ton Portuguese warship, captured by the notorious French pirate Olivier “The Buzzard” Levasseur in 1721, is at the heart of a recent archaeological discovery. Once, it braved the seas laden with treasures destined for the crowns of Portugal, only to become a ghost of history lying beneath the waves.
Among its cargo were exquisite treasures: Chinese porcelain, silks, gold coins, and precious gems — a fortune worth roughly $100 million today. But the Nossa Senhora also carried human stories, with 200 slaves journeying from Madagascar, forever etched in the vessel’s tragic legacy.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation based in Massachusetts, marine archaeologists embarked on an expedition to uncover the mysteries surrounding this fabled shipwreck. Sonar technology and enthusiastic dive teams scoured the waters near Nosy Boraha, formerly known as Sainte-Marie, an island steeped in pirate lore.

Nosy Boraha was well-known as a haven for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. After capturing the Nossa Senhora, Levasseur and his accomplices brought the ship to this hidden cove. A fierce storm had previously damaged the vessel, forcing it into a brief harbor near the Reunion Islands for repairs, unaware of its pending fate.
The records tell of the audacious pirates Levasseur and John Taylor, who seized the Nossa Senhora to reap its wealth. Levasseur, born into a wealthy family and later a legendary figure of the sea, left behind a legacy of buried treasures and encrypted messages just before his execution at the age of 40.
This recent expedition, spanning over 16 years of research, sheds light on the significant impact of these captures. The area around Nosy Boraha is rich with stories of treasure-laden vessels, and experts believe many more wrecks are waiting to tell their own tales.
The Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation also published their findings, alongside fascinating photographs and interviews, in the esteemed Wreckwatch Magazine, where fans of maritime history can explore these enthralling discoveries more deeply.
The Nossa Senhora‘s story is a precious reminder of the complicated histories hidden beneath our waters, waiting to be unveiled. As the sun sets over Madagascar, one can only ponder the mysteries that remain, just beneath the surface.
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