Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Bullion

Shipwreck Silver from the SS Tilawa

A good story has the power to captivate us all. Whether it’s a whimsical adventure or a classic struggle between good and evil, stories resonate with us. While many modern bullion products come with their own tales, few offer a direct, tangible link to history.

Shipwreck gold and silver are among the most captivating options for investors and collectors, offering a direct connection to dramatic historical events and maritime tragedies. Now, you can discover the latest in Shipwreck silver, refined from silver bars recovered from the wreckage of the SS Tilawa.

Background on the Silver

The SS Tilawa’s story is a tragic one, often referred to as the “Indian Titanic” due to its sinking in the Indian Ocean and the significant loss of life. For silver enthusiasts, the story is made even more compelling by the history of the Tilawa’s cargo.

In 1942, the Tilawa set sail from what is now Mumbai (then Bombay), carrying nearly 60 tons of silver bullion in the form of 2,364 bars. This silver was intended for the South African Mint, where it would be struck into coins for both South Africa and Egypt. However, the SS Tilawa met a tragic fate on November 23, 1942, when it sank to the ocean floor, taking its cargo and many lives with it.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 2017, Argentum Exploration secretly recovered the silver bars from the wreckage of the Tilawa, which lay approximately 1.6 miles beneath the ocean’s surface. By 2020, the value of this recovered silver was estimated at $43 million.

Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Bullion

After a lengthy legal battle over the ownership rights to the silver and the ability to sell it, Tilawa Shipwreck Silver has been given a new lease on life. While the ultimate fate of all the silver recovered from the Tilawa remains unknown, around 800,000 ounces have been refined into modern silver bars and rounds, now available for today’s investors and collectors. These products combine a tragic historical event with modern bullion in one unique offering.

The Wreck of the 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 designed for the British Indian Steam Navigation Company. The ship featured three decks, accommodations for 3,290 passengers across two classes, and extensive cargo space.

During World War II, the SS Tilawa was requisitioned by the Royal Navy for use as a troopship, operating primarily out of British-controlled ports in India. In November 1942, the Tilawa embarked on its final journey from Ballard Pier, bound for ports in Durban, Mombasa, and Maputo. On this voyage, the ship was carrying 60 tons of silver, 732 passengers, 222 crew members, and 600 tons of 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 rescued after two days at sea. The HMS Birmingham rescued most of the survivors, and a few days later, the RMS Carthage discovered an additional four survivors.

Due to the proportionate loss of life, the SS Tilawa is often referred to as the Indian Titanic. It also holds the unfortunate distinction of being the only known vessel sunk due to enemy action in the Indian Ocean during World War II.

Legal Battle for Ownership

In 2017, Argentum Exploration covertly recovered a significant number of silver bars from the wreck of the SS Tilawa. These bars were transported to the United Kingdom, where Argentum believed they rightfully belonged. However, the South African government later filed a lawsuit, claiming that the silver was originally intended for the South African Mint and should therefore belong to South Africa.

In May 2024, following a lengthy legal battle, the UK Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Africa, determining that the silver was indeed intended for the production of South African coinage, a sovereign purpose. Although South Africa won the case, reports suggest that an out-of-court settlement regarding the silver has been reached.

Buy Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Bullion from Silver.com

Opportunities to own shipwreck gold and silver are rare. The limited quantity, 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. Silver.com customer service is available at 1-888-989-7223, online using our web chat, and via our email address.