Since it didn't pertain to the actual wreck I left it out but the deciding factor for England was when the Spanish allowed the French to move their troops through Spain in large numbers. Lines were blurred a lot between peace and war but I cannot blame the treasure fleet for being shocked by the action of the English since they knew that peace was still officially in place.

Odyssey does continue to search for the actual Merchant Royal, maybe they will find it some day.

Not appropriate at all, it's like Italy claiming ownership of all roman wrecks regardless of where they are found. The spanish had no right to this treasure

@@jordanhicks5131 the legal difference in the case is that between a military vessel of a still sovereign nation. In this case Spain was able to show it was their government owned vessel. Most nations have treaties that protect their rights to the wrecks of their military vessels no matter where they are. It is generally applied to more modern wrecks but this is not the first time it was applied to an older wreck of a still sovereign nation.

@@kesiafox3826 my point is that it's not the same government that owned the vessel that is claiming it today, spain has reorganized their government about a dozen times since 1803, the nation that the vessel belonged to no longer exists except in name. That would be like Italy claiming all Roman military wrecks. Or Serbia claiming all Yugoslav military wrecks.

@@jordanhicks5131 fair point, although if I were to lose a cherished heirloom, my hope would to be reunited in mine or my descendants lifetime 👍🏻