Discovering Silver in a Century-Old Shipwreck in Lake Zurich

While many people enjoy relaxing by Lake Zurich and swimming in its waters, few would imagine it as a place filled with sunken ships and hidden treasures. However, a recent finding near Richterswil might bridge the gap between the Caribbean and this Swiss lake: divers have uncovered 35 kilograms of silver in the wreckage of an old transport ship.

Uncovering the Wreck of the Ledi Cargo Ship near Richterswil

As reported by Tages-Anzeiger, the story begins in 2005 when a professional fisherman stumbled upon the wreckage of a 100-year-old cargo ship.

The sunken vessel was discovered when it got entangled in an anchor. Further investigation identified the ship as a “Ledi,” a type of vessel used for transporting goods on the lake in the times before motorized boats.

These ships, worn out and no longer in use due to fuel shortages caused by World War I, were brought back into service in the 1920s, likely when this ship met its fate. After the fisherman’s discovery, he informed a friend at the Swiss Archeodivers Association.

Unfortunately, a boating accident sent the fisherman to the hospital, and the GPS with the wreck’s coordinates was lost. It wasn’t until 2023 that the wreckage was rediscovered. The association promptly sent divers 25 meters below the surface to examine the sunken Ledi.

Divers Uncover Beer, Slag, and Silver in Lake Zurich Wreck

Through the dives, experts determined that the ship was carrying 70 tons of slag from ballast furnaces when it sank. Further analysis revealed that the slag contained 35 kilograms of silver, valued at approximately 23,000 Swiss francs. The divers also found that the ship likely sank due to being overloaded with 10 tons of Wädenswil beer. Interestingly, you can still enjoy the same beer if you visit Wädenswil today.

Before enthusiasts rush to the scene for a treasure hunt, diver Adelrich Uhr explained to Tages-Anzeiger that the booty is likely to stay at the lake’s bottom. The 35 kilograms of silver are embedded within the 70 tons of slag. Uhr concluded that while the silver may be valuable on land, the impracticality of extracting all the slag to the surface makes it an unprofitable venture, even for the most daring adventurers.