Open Legends
The Awa Maru
Sunk 1945 · Taiwan Strait, off Fujian
UnsolvedThe prize. Rumored $5B in gold & platinum, and the Peking Man fossils
Where. Taiwan Strait, off Fujian
Status. Unsolved
Where. Taiwan Strait, off Fujian
Status. Unsolved
The account
A green-lit relief ship sunk by mistake in a single salvo, two thousand lives in twelve minutes, and then the rumors: bullion in her holds, the missing Peking Man bones among the cargo. China spent years opening her. What the divers found has never silenced what the rumors promise.
Leads, where the trail points now
- Where the trail goes cold: Torpedoed under safe-conduct on April 1, 1945; China's massive 1977 to 80 salvage raised tin and rubber, and no treasure. That is where any serious search begins.
- What you are chasing is Rumored $5B in gold & platinum, and the Peking Man fossils. Work the documented record of The Awa Maru back to primary sources and separate what is attested from folklore before you commit time or money.
- Confirm who owns and governs Taiwan Strait, off Fujian and get written permission before any search; treat protected or archaeological ground as off limits.
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