Carl Allen, a former businessman turned treasure hunter and philanthropist, shares his thrilling journey for sunken treasures. He describes his 40-year obsession with a legendary Spanish galleon. The discussion delves into the ethics of treasure hunting, emphasizing respect for shipwrecks as grave sites. Allen advocates for public-private partnerships in artifact recovery. He also highlights the complexities of treasure claims, particularly surrounding the San Jose galleon, and the rich history tied to the shipwrecks of the Bahamas.
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Quick takeaways
Carl Allen highlights the exhilarating adventure of treasure hunting, focusing on the adrenaline rush from uncovering lost artifacts.
He emphasizes the ethical responsibility in treasure hunting, advocating for public-private partnerships to ensure the respectful treatment of historical sites.
Deep dives
The World of Treasure Hunting
Treasure hunting can be an exhilarating endeavor, filled with opportunities and challenges. Karl Allen, a businessman who transitioned from corporate life to professional treasure hunting, describes the thrill of uncovering sunken artifacts from historical shipwrecks. He mentions finding items such as emeralds, gold chains, and personal artifacts, each discovery sending adrenaline rushing through his team. The excitement of treasure hunting comes not only from what is found but also from the adventure of searching the ocean's depths for lost history.
Navigating Ethical Concerns
The field of treasure hunting is fraught with ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding the preservation of human remains found in shipwrecks. Karl emphasizes his commitment to treating potential grave sites with respect, halting his search if any human evidence is discovered, especially from sensitive historical contexts like slave ships or wartime wrecks. He acknowledges the controversies surrounding treasure hunting and the need for responsible practices to counter negative perceptions. His dedication to documenting and exhibiting findings in a way that honors the past sets him apart in an industry often criticized for its reckless approach.
Legalities and Partnerships in Treasure Seeking
Karl's journey in treasure hunting was marked by navigating complex legal regulations, particularly when it comes to salvaging artifacts. Securing a salvage license took him 15 years and involved close collaboration with local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. He highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in changing the stigma surrounding treasure hunting and emphasizes that all artifacts found are preserved and displayed in his privately owned museum in the Bahamas. This approach not only contributes to education and tourism but also fosters a positive dialogue between treasure hunters and the academic community.
Carl Allen is a multi-millionaire former businessman who ran a trash bag company in the US.
He's now the owner of an island in the Bahamas, a philanthropist and deep-sea treasure hunter, scouring the seabed for sunken Spanish galleons, slave ships and long-lost treasure.
He tells us about his relentless search for one Spanish galleon that’s fired his imagination for the past 40 years. We discuss the ethics of treasure hunting and his belief that the best way to bring up relics from the bottom of the ocean is through PPPs - public-private partnerships.
Produced and presented by Gideon Long
(Image: Carl Allen on a boat with some treasure. Image credit: Brendan Chavez at Allen Exploration)
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