Treasure hunter who refused to give up location of shipwreck gold freed from prison

12 Mar 2026 • 5:04 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Deep-sea treasure hunter Tommy Thompson, who discovered the “Ship of Gold” in 1988, has been released from prison after more than a decade.
  • Thompson was initially celebrated for locating the S.S. Central America, which sank in 1857 with a vast amount of gold from the California Gold Rush.
  • He subsequently faced legal action from investors who alleged they were defrauded of millions from the sale of the recovered treasure.
  • After becoming a fugitive, Thompson was arrested in 2015 and jailed for contempt of court for refusing to disclose the whereabouts of 500 missing gold coins.
  • Despite a judge ending his civil contempt sentence in February, Thompson immediately commenced a two-year sentence for failing to attend a court hearing in 2012.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved