FRENCH VESSEL’S GOLD

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1932, Page 10

FRENCH VESSEL’S GOLD

CALL TO SYDNEY DIVER. .TREASURE IN ABOUKIR BAY. (N.Z. Herald Correspondent.) ' Charts made more than 40 years ago by a Sydney diver, Mr. G. M. Dale, while he was engaged in an attempt to recover bullion valued at £600,000 from the French flagship, L’Orient, sunk by Lord Nelson’s fleet in Aboukir Bay in 1708, have resulted in his being called upon by a British syndicate to renew the search.

In 1889 Mr. Dale believed that he had the treasure within his grasp when the salvage firm for which he was working became bankrupt, and abandoned operations. But he took the precaution of making an- accurate chart, with valuable crossbearings, of the position of the L’Orient. He stowed it among his valued possessions—and forgot all about it until recently, when he read that a British syndicate had received permission to search for the sunken treasure.

Although now 80 years of age, Mr. Dale is as keen as ever. He claims to be the oldest diver living, md says he does not feel more than 45. He is looking forward to his new adventure with the greatest enthusiasm, and says it will be a great satisfaction to him if he accomplishes in 1932 what he failed to accomplfsh in 18S9. He says he feels that if the job is tackled with patience and application, the fortune will be ’ recovered. The work should not be difficult, as the vessel sank in only six fathoms of water. Mr. Dale has had experience in all parts of the globe, for he was attached to the British Navy for years. Mr. Dale claims that in 18S9 he located five of the ships of the French ■squadron sunk in Aboukir Bay. As well as the £600,000 thought to be in the ‘L’Orient, it is believed that she carried the treasure seized by the' French when they occupied Malta. He says he is convinced that he discovered the stern post of the L’Orient and was making good progress with his undersea investigations when he was forced to discontinue work. The diving conditions in the bay were perfect, as the sea was clear and the bottom hard sand. There were no sharks in the locality, 'but large octopi often gave trouble. “When I get to Aboukir Bay,” said Mr. Dale, “I will be the first to go down. I am as keen on diving as ever I was. Age counts for nothing. I feel at home under the sea, and I .am anxious to get to work again.”