Shipwreck Gold: US Novelist Faces Trial Over Looted French Treasure
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France for allegedly selling gold bars recovered from an 18th-century shipwreck. Learn about the case.">
Eleonor “Gay” Courter, an 80-year-old American novelist, and her husband, Philip, 82, are potentially facing trial in France for their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of shipwreck gold. The charges stem from gold bars plundered from the 18th-century French vessel, Le Prince de Conty. French prosecutors have requested the case proceed to court, alleging the Courters aided a French diver in selling the stolen bullion online. The couple denies any knowledge of wrongdoing.
The Sunken Treasure of Le Prince de conty
Le Prince de Conty, a french ship engaged in trade with Asia, met its demise off the coast of brittany during a storm in the winter of 1746. The shipwreck was discovered in 1974, resting in shallow waters near Belle-Île-en-Mer. The following year, the wreck was looted after the initial revelation of a gold ingot.
Official archaeological excavations in the 1980s unearthed fine 18th-century Chinese porcelain, remnants of tea crates, and three Chinese gold bars. However, a severe storm in 1985 scattered the ship’s remains, bringing the official excavations to an end.
Did You No? The value of gold has seen meaningful fluctuations in recent years. As of July 2024, the average price of gold was around $2,300 per ounce, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the previous year, according to recent data from the World Gold Council.
the Investigation Unfolds
In 2018,Michel L’Hour,the head of France’s underwater archaeology department,noticed a suspicious sale of five gold ingots on a US auction house website. Suspecting their origin from the Prince de Conty, he alerted US authorities, who seized the treasure and returned it to France in 2022.
The seller was identified as Gay courter, a Florida-based author and film producer. Courter claimed she received the gold from French friends, Annette May Pesty, 78, and her deceased partner, Gerard. Pesty had previously claimed on the TV show Antiques Roadshow in 1999 that she found the gold while diving off Cape Verde.Investigators deemed this unlikely and focused on Pesty’s brother-in-law, Yves Gladu, an underwater photographer.
Gladu confessed in 2022 to retrieving 16 gold bars from the shipwreck during approximately 40 dives between 1976 and 1999. He stated he sold them all in 2006 to a retired Swiss military member and denied giving any to the Courters. gladu had known the Courters as the 1980s, and they vacationed together in Greece, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia between 2011 and 2015.
Legal Proceedings and Possible Trial
The Courters were detained in the UK in 2022 and subsequently placed under house arrest.French investigators concluded they possessed at least 23 gold bars and sold 18 ingots for over $192,000, including sales via eBay. The Courters maintain the funds were intended for Gladu.
A prosecutor in Brest, france, has requested a trial for the Courters, Gladu, 77, and Pesty. While an investigating magistrate must still order a trial, prosecutors anticipate it will occur in the autumn of 2026.
Gregory Levy, the Courters’ lawyer, stated they were unaware of the situation’s gravity, citing differing gold regulations in the US and France and claiming the couple did not profit from the sales.
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Key Players in the Shipwreck Gold Case
| Name | role | allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Eleonor “Gay” Courter | US Novelist | illegal sale of shipwreck gold |
| Philip Courter | Gay Courter’s Husband | Illegal sale of shipwreck gold |
| Yves Gladu | Underwater Photographer | Plundering gold bars from the shipwreck |
| annette May Pesty | French Friend of Courters | Possible involvement in the scheme |
The case highlights the complexities of international law and the allure of shipwreck gold. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.
What do you think about the ethics of salvaging and selling items from shipwrecks? Shoudl there be stricter regulations on the sale of historical artifacts?
The Enduring Allure of shipwreck Gold
The story of Le Prince de Conty and the subsequent looting of its gold bars is a microcosm of the broader captivation with sunken treasure. Throughout history, shipwrecks have captured the inventiveness of adventurers, historians, and collectors alike. The allure of recovering lost riches from the depths of the ocean continues to drive exploration and, sadly, sometimes illegal activities.
The legal and ethical considerations surrounding shipwreck salvage are complex. While some argue that recovering these artifacts preserves history and provides valuable insights into the past, others emphasize the importance of protecting underwater archaeological sites from damage and looting. International laws and agreements aim to balance these competing interests, but enforcement remains a challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipwreck Gold
Disclaimer: This article provides data for general knowledge purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.
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