The Curse of the 'Ship of Gold': NatGeo Explores the Rise and Fall of a Notorious Treasure Hunter

Tommy Thompson, an American treasure hunter, famously discovered the location of the SS *Central America*, dubbed the "Ship of Gold", in 1988. The ship, which sank in 1857, was laden with 30,000 pounds of gold bars and coins, a treasure estimated to be worth a staggering $400 million. However, what began as a dream come true soon spiralled into a legal nightmare.

Thompson's triumph was short-lived. Thirty-nine insurance companies, having paid out claims for the lost gold over a century ago, filed lawsuits claiming ownership of the recovered treasure. Thompson emerged victorious in 1996, awarded 92% of the gold. Yet, realising profits proved to be a Sisyphean task. The gold was eventually sold for only £40 million, barely enough to cover the expedition's colossal debt.

This financial struggle led to a new wave of litigation, this time from Thompson's investors, who accused him of fraud. Thompson's escape in 2012 with his assistant, using £3 million stashed in an offshore account, only exacerbated the situation. He was finally apprehended by US Marshals in 2015 and convicted, ordered to surrender 500 commemorative gold coins minted from the *Central America

treasure to satisfy the court's judgment.

However, Thompson claimed he had forgotten where he had hidden them, landing him in jail for contempt of court. He remains incarcerated, and the missing coins are yet to be found.

This dramatic story of a treasure hunter's spectacular rise and subsequent fall has been adapted into a captivating three-part documentary by National Geographic: *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*. The series is based on Gary Kinder's 1998 book, *Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea*.

Director Sam Benstead was immediately drawn to the story, captivated by its "exciting twists and turns, and its emotional depth". He found Thompson to be an "extraordinary character: eccentric, brilliant, and willing to push boundaries." Discovering the events that unfolded after the book's publication solidified his conviction to bring Thompson's story to the screen.

The documentary team delved into extensive archival footage and court transcripts, spending over 600 hours on research. The team also consulted with various figures who were involved in the saga, though not filmed, to ensure the accuracy of the narrative.

Benstead acknowledges the challenge of condensing a complex 30-year story into three episodes, noting that certain legal cases and side stories had to be omitted or explored superficially. There were also areas of the story where accounts differed drastically, requiring them to make choices that didn't necessarily satisfy all parties.

Despite the legal turmoil, Benstead remains in awe of the original discovery, highlighting the dedication and perseverance of the team who unearthed the *Central America

from the depths of the ocean. He also expresses deep respect for Thompson's family, who have endured years of public scrutiny, and credits them for their courage in participating in the documentary.

Benstead acknowledges the complexity of Thompson's character, with varying opinions from those involved. He emphasizes the documentary's aim to present a balanced perspective and allow viewers to draw their own conclusions. He personally believes that while Thompson might not be a con man, his actions, including his escape, ultimately contributed to his downfall.

*Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal

is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu, providing a captivating and thought-provoking account of a treasure hunter's journey from glory to disgrace. It invites viewers to reflect on the allure of hidden treasure, the complexities of human nature, and the often unpredictable path of fate.