Shipwreck Silver from the SS Tilawa
Everyone loves a good story. Whether it’s a captivating fantasy or a timeless battle between good and evil, stories resonate with us. While many modern gold and silver bullion products come with their own unique tales through their designs or mintages, few have a direct, physical connection to history.
Shipwreck gold and silver are among the most sought-after choices for collectors and investors, providing a tangible link to remarkable events from the past. Now, you have the opportunity to explore the new line of Shipwreck silver, refined from silver bars recovered from the wreck of the SS Tilawa.
Brief Background on the Silver
The story of the SS Tilawa is a poignant one, often dubbed the “Indian Titanic” by modern historians due to its sinking in the Indian Ocean and the significant loss of life that followed. What makes this story especially intriguing for silver buyers is the Tilawa’s cargo.
In 1942, the Tilawa set sail from what is now Mumbai (then known as Bombay), carrying nearly 60 tons of silver bullion in the form of 2,364 bars. This silver was intended for the South African Mint to produce coins for South Africa and Egypt. However, on November 23, 1942, the SS Tilawa was tragically sunk, taking its precious cargo and many lives to the ocean floor.
But the tale doesn’t end there. In 2017, Argentum Exploration secretly recovered the silver bars from the Tilawa, some 1.6 miles beneath the ocean’s surface. By 2020, the value of this silver was estimated at $43 million.
Tilawa Shipwreck Silver
After a lengthy legal battle over the rights to the silver and permission to sell it, Tilawa Shipwreck Silver has been given a new lease on life. Though the ultimate fate of all the silver recovered from the Tilawa remains unknown, approximately 800,000 ounces have been refined into new silver bars and rounds, allowing modern collectors and investors to own a piece of this historic treasure. These products offer a unique blend of tragic history and contemporary bullion in one.
History of the SS Tilawa
The SS Tilawa was constructed in 1924 in Hebburn, a town in England’s South Tyneside borough. Built by Hawthorn Leslie & Co. Ltd, the 10,000-ton steam passenger liner was commissioned by the British Indian Steam Navigation Company. The ship featured three decks, accommodations for 3,290 passengers across two classes, and ample cargo space.
During World War II, the SS Tilawa was repurposed by the Royal Navy as a troopship, operating mainly out of British ports in India. In November 1942, the Tilawa embarked on a journey from Ballard Pier, heading for ports in Durban, Mombasa, and Maputo. On this fateful voyage, the ship carried 60 tons of silver, 732 passengers, 222 crew members, and 600 tons of additional cargo.
On November 23, 1942, the SS Tilawa was struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine, causing the ship to sink. Of those on board, 280 lives were lost, while 678 survivors were eventually rescued after two days adrift. The HMS Birmingham rescued most of the survivors, and days later, the RMS Carthage found four more.
Due to the proportionate loss of life, the SS Tilawa is often referred to as the Indian Titanic. It also bears the unfortunate distinction of being the only known ship sunk by enemy action in the Indian Ocean during World War II.
Legal Battles
In 2017, Argentum Exploration clandestinely recovered a significant number of silver bars from the SS Tilawa’s wreckage. These bars were transported to the United Kingdom, where Argentum believed they rightfully belonged. However, the South African government later filed a lawsuit, asserting that the silver was originally intended for the South African Mint and should therefore belong to South Africa.
In May 2024, following an extensive legal dispute, the UK Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Africa, declaring that the silver was indeed intended for the production of South African coinage, a predominantly sovereign purpose. Although South Africa emerged victorious, reports suggest that an out-of-court settlement regarding the silver has been reached.
Buy Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Bullion from BullionMax
Opportunities to own shipwreck silver and gold are rare. The limited availability, incredible history, and tragic stories behind these items make them much more than just silver bullion – they are pieces of human history. If you have any questions about Tilawa Shipwreck Silver, please feel free to ask. BullionMax customer service is available at 1-800-729-3202, online using our web chat, and via our email address.
