---
title: "Silver from Bolivia and Swedish Cannons: What the Sunken Ship off the Coast of Spain Hid"
description: "A sunken ship carrying millions in cargo was found off the coast of Spain: Swedish cannons and Bolivian silver from the 17th century. 🚢💰 Archaeologists believe the vessel was engaged in smuggling, attempting to bypass Seville's tax monopoly. The secrets of the Atlantic continue to be revealed! 🌊🔍"
date: 2026-05-30T11:00:36.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/sunken-ship-in-spain-silver-and-swedish-cannons-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Silver from Bolivia and Swedish Cannons: What the Sunken Ship off the Coast of Spain Hid

![Rusty wreckage of a sunken ship off the rocky coast of Spain in turquoise water](https://xab.info/media/2026/05/30/zatonuvshiy-korabl-v-ispanii-serebro-i-shvedskie-pushki/zatonuvshiy-korabl-u-beregov-ispanii.webp)

Off the coast of Cádiz, in southwestern Spain, the depths of the sea hold secrets that have remained silent for over three centuries. In 2024, during seabed preparation for the construction of a new terminal, dredging operations led to a sensational discovery. Lying on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean was the wreck of a vessel, provisionally named "Delta I." This is not just rusted metal, but a time capsule revealing details of 17th-century illegal trade.

The team from the Underwater Archaeology Center of the Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage took on the study of the find. While archaeologists initially only assumed the age of the vessel, a detailed analysis of the cargo overturned perceptions of its purpose. On board, a strange mix was discovered: 27 Swedish iron cannons, a bronze bell, and 18 silver bars.

The most curious details lie in the time markers. On one of the silver bars, the year 1667 is clearly stamped, and on the bell, the inscription "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1671." In total, there was about half a ton of silver. Experts are certain: this metal arrived from the colonies, from the territory of modern-day Bolivia. However, the route of silver to Spain was strictly regulated and taxed heavily, with Seville holding the trade monopoly.

Here comes the theory of smuggling. Cádiz, with its excellent natural conditions for anchoring galleons, became an ideal point for "gray" operations. The bay could serve as a hiding place for ships trying to avoid tax collection. But why were Swedish cannons found on board the smugglers?

The vessel, according to historians, was built in France but later fell into the hands of Dutch merchants who were actively operating in the arms market at that time. The cannons found on the seabed represent a heterogeneous collection of five different calibers. Some of them had damaged barrels or were incomplete. Scientists suggest that the artillery may have served as ballast or was damaged shortly before the disaster. Perhaps these weapons were previously part of the French navy before falling into the hands of illegal traders.

The discovery of "Delta I" is just the tip of the iceberg. Archaeology continues to surprise: if traces of 17th-century illegal trade were found in Spain, then in Egypt, 94 years later, the second half of the legendary colossus was discovered. And in Romania, in Urlați, a 3,000-year-old treasure came to light, capable of rewriting the history of the Bronze Age. The history of humanity continues to unfold, and every new artifact is a puzzle piece that we are only beginning to assemble.