In March 2026, a team of Portuguese divers made a remarkable discovery near the island of Berlenga, off the coast of Portugal. Eighteen metres below the surface, they found a sealed wooden chest. Scientists believe it is approximately 400 years old. Nobody knows what is inside — or who it belonged to.
Where did it come from? It could be from a Portuguese trading ship. Many vessels were lost in these waters during the 17th century during storms and battles. It might have been dropped overboard in an emergency, or it may have fallen from the deck during rough seas. Some historians believe it may have come from a pirate vessel — there are records of piracy in this region during that period.
What might the chest contain? It could hold gold or silver coins — the most exciting possibility, of course. It might contain navigational instruments, which were extremely valuable at the time. Or it may simply hold personal belongings: letters, clothing, or tools. There is also another possibility: it could be completely empty. Chests were sometimes used as outer containers for smaller waterproof boxes stored inside.
Dr Lena Fischer, a marine archaeologist, spoke about the discovery. "We cannot be certain about anything yet," she said. "The chest may give us important information about trade routes in the Atlantic. It could change our understanding of life at sea during this period. But it might also turn out to be completely ordinary."
For now, the chest has not been opened. Specialists are studying it carefully before making any decisions. Whatever is inside, it may tell a story that has been waiting 400 years to be heard.