Fishermen in Cuba's western Pinar del Rio province have discovered a cache of sunken artifacts believed to be from a 17th- or 18-century shipwreck, local daily reported on Friday.

The "important marine archaeological find" was recently discovered off the coast of Puerto Esperanza, a town in northern Pinar del Rio, the daily Juventud Rebelde said.

The find, which the daily said puts "the coasts of Pinar del Rio among the most historically relevant in regard to the pirate era," comprises some 60 artifacts, including firearms, cannon balls, swords and assault machetes, it added.

"While it's important to point out that this is an interesting discovery, it's crucial to insist that such finds of historical value must remain and be preserved in their own setting," said Enrique Giniebra, a researcher and member of Cuba's Naval Maritime Historical Group.

The coasts around the province are littered with shipwrecks dating from the age of pirates on the high seas, said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, another member of the group.

This particular find is considered as the most important to date in the province.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)