Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel

Filing 25

AMENDED COMPLAINT against The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel filed by Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Sworn Statement of Greg Stemm - Part 1# 2 Sworn Statement of Greg Stemm - Part 2)(Von Spiegelfeld, Allen)

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Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. v. The Unidentified Shipwrecked Vessel Doc. 25 Att. 1 Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 1 of 52 ENGLISH TRASLATION Don Julian Marinez Garcia Director General de Bellas Ares y Bienes Cultuales Misterio de Cultua Plaza del Rey 1 , Planta baja July 6, 28071 Madrid 2007 Dear Mr. Director General Durng the last nie out every years Odyssey Mare Exploration, Inc. (OME) has cared tye of effort available to resolve with the Spansh and Andalusian authorities , of course, the foreseeable differences that could arse in relation to its HMS Sussex Project (Alboran Sea) with the best spirt of cooperation. Aside from this OME has offered its best collaboration with these authorities on the understading that it could offer important help in the study, location and defence of Spansh underwater cultual heritage in varous seas, with its best archaeological know-how. You are an exceptional witness to the position of OME in which my colleague Mare Rogers as well as myself, as the lawyers designated by OMB, have placed our hopes and efforts, along with the representatives of the US and the UK Embassies in Madrd. Due to the latest developments in the "Black Swan Project" in waters of the Atlantic and beyond any Spansh waters whatsoever, and in that the Spansh governent lacks at this time any indication of a legal basis to lay claim to the cargo found, some Spansh authorities at a very high level have maitained diffcult to explain suspicions of ilegal conduct on the par of OME. They have described the most transparent conduct oftms entity, from a legal point of view as well as an archaeological (that is otherwise evident), in very serious terms of ilegality and even crie , makg formal accusations before the Spansh cours when it is evident to us, I repeat, that they do not possess even a confation or proof in respect to the identity of the vessel carring the cargo given that even OME who is investigating this in detail lacks sufcient indications of ths. Such an offcial stace and the violent and unjust echo that has been produced in the national and international press , demonstrating in many instances total iresponsibilty, have damaged the image and doubtless prestige of OME. mium OME on the other hand has not had the opportuty to defend itself given that the proceedings have been declared secret and the Cour of La Linea has rejected our offer of evidence , clarifcations and most transparent collaboration retuing to us the pleadings to appear in the proceedings and the proposal of evidence without even malcig that rejection the subject of a wrtten ruling. crial This offerig is comprised of documentation, the statement of Mr. Greg Stemm and other relevant OME personnel and the offering of inspection ofthe boats Odyssey Exp10rer and Odyssey Alert. Dockets.Justia.com Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 2 of 52 ENGLISH TRASLATION Page Two For this reason, I have tred by all means available to me with the maxum discretion possible, following the instrctions of my client, to avoid the false ofiicial position on ths matter, which in my view is dangerous for the very interests of Spain, via letters to varous authorities and interviews with the Ministr of Cultue, the Junta de Andalusia, the Public Prosecutor and the Court of La Linea de la Concepcion, etc. and reports and statements in the press without the least result. I attach to this letter the sworn statement of Mr. Greg Stemm. I trt, Sir, that these lines will make clear my loyal conduct on behalf of OME and regretting both as a professional and as a Spansh citizen, not having been able , as would have been our desire, to avoid the complicated foreseeable situation for the Spansh admsuation that will arse as a result of OME exercising its legitimate rights to defend its interests, as well as the Spansh position in relation to underwater cultual heritage in all international legal forus. It is OME' s constant desire and policy to give advance notice of its conduct to the Spansh authorities implicated. That is what it has done to date in relation to the movements of its vessels in waters near the Spansh coast. At this time however and regrettably, we are deprived of any adequate line of communcation. Sincerely, Jose Luis Gom A COpy OF THS LETTER AND DOCUMNTS TO: Don Jose Mara Pons Irazabal Director General de Politica Exterior para Europa y America del Norte Misterio de Asuntos Exteriores y Cooperaci6n Edificio Torres Agora C/ Serrano Galvache 26 28006 Madrd Almirante Don Teodoro de Leste Contrera Director del Museo Naval de Madrid Museo Naval de Madrd cale Montalban 2 28014 Madrd Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 3 of 52 ENGLISH TRASLATION Page Three Fiscal Don Angel Nufez Fiscalia de la Audiencia Provincial de Cadiz Cuesta de las Cales as sin 11071 Cadiz Comandante Cortes Unidad Central Operativa de la Guadia Civil Deparamento de Delitos contra el Patronio Calle Salinas del Rosio 32 28042 Madrid 35 D. Jesus Romero Benitez Director General de Bienes Cultuales Consejeria de Cultua Junta de Andalucia Palacio de Santa Maria la Blanc Altaa 41004 SEVILA Dona Mara Teresa Fernandez de la Vega Vice Presidenta Primera , Mistra de la Presidencia y Portavoz del Gobierno Minsterio de la Prcsidencia Complejo de la Moncloa A venida Puerta de Hierro 28071 Madrid ." ......". ... Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 CONI CO. Filed 08/07/2007 Page 4 of 52 ABOGADOS Don Julian ivfar1iJ1cz Garda Dirctor Gcneral de Bellas Aries C. y Bienes Culturulcs 0P Ministerio de Cultura Plaza del Rey J , Phmla baja 2S071 MINlS"!' iiY,, -:i !E JVJatlrid ENTRADI - 6 JUL. 2007 : ;:I.. rIJt 6 de juiio de 2 Distinguido Sr. Dircr.tor G Durante Dlieve anas Odysst:y ncral; REGISTRO pudicrall originar en rclucion con su , por snptJcs!o prcvisiblcs que se Alboran) dcno' 'Iarine: Exploration lnc. (Oi\-n lodas Ius esfucros CD SU ) ha realizado mano pam so1venmr c.olJ las llt(1ridadcs cSptli'olas y las andalm cuatesquicra difercucias as imp0l1ante ayuda cn d estudio, la Iocalizaci6n y In defensa d I patrin'onio subacuiiico espcmol en diversos mares cultural arqueo16gico. USled marg n de elJo ha ofrecido SIl llcjor co1aboracion con estas autoridades no para privilegio alguno sino pOl' logGl1' cntcndcr que podfa oficcer una Al del mejor cspfritu de colabomcioJ1. proyecto HMS SLlSSCX (Mar' de , dentro de su mojor quehacer la que tanto mi colflboradota Sm. Mnrie Rogct1 comoposidon ue OME en yo es Un testigo ex.cepciol1al ue esta , como abogado:; dcsignados por Ie empresH. hemos pncsto llucstras mejom.s Husioncs y empeiius , l1si como !o.tI represemantes de las Hmbcgadas de ESfHdos UDictos .y del Reino ()njdo et\ Mndrid. e0l1 motivo de 105 ultmo.' Elguas del Atlantico resultados en e! " espai'olas . y en el ql.e el jndieio " en fuera de cualesquicra aguas jurisdicclonales Estado espano) camcc de momcnta de Proycclo Black Swan gravisirnoR !erminos de iIegaJidad ignUicativo de una ba$e jurfdica para ualquier It! reGiamllci6n por su del cargarnento encontmdo pm1;e , llJgunli autoridades espafiola.,; ,I muy hem suscitado un s dificilmcntc explicahles sospeohas de actuaci6nalto nivcJ OMB. Heln califc.' H1o una limpLcirna iJega! dc actuaciol\ de esta cntidad el punto de visla legal como , tanto desde arqueolo,gico (que por 10 dcmas les yaun de de!ito, tormu)ando acus COllsta), en cjol1es nos con&fq, rcpito , que , pOT identidad crl barco tmnsporLaoor del cargamcDto ejemplo y bitsit.amente , la , puesto que incluso OME qUI; 10 invcstiga en t:Ol1fil'IDar 1a idcntidad del pecic. Ta) PO Juzgados cspanole. tI cuando careccn de confirmacion 0 plleba accrca dc fonnalcs aote Ios profuodfdad carcce de hldicios arlecnados para CiOJl Ofi!;ial y eI inju5to eco que Ila producido desrnesUJado e r;n )a prcnsa nac/onal e intcmaciona) ejorcicio en mncbos casos de , ell Un L1na total jn-espOl)sabilidad la imagen e indudab)c pr han porlido daiiar tigio de OM E VELAZQIJEl24 . )' . 180m .\ADRJ. TEL RDSELLON 229- joseluis. goni , lO -mW08 nAJtCELONA (34) 91 1634740. FJ'X gOrl-abogados. com .TEL(_ 4j ct:) 9r %3 j J 43 )93 415 70 IJ 3 415'J06R. f'l\ ( Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 5 of 52 OME no ha lenido pOT otra parle 10 puesto que Jas dUigcncias judicra1cs aclaracjones y la hacerlos ohjelo d mas minima posibj)dad do dcfendcrse sc de La Linea lIB. recluzado I1lestros afreci miemos colnboracl6n mas tmnsparcnlt: de eSHS han decLarado sem:etas y el Juzgado tOI1nales de pruebas escritos de pefsonacion y de propusiciol1 EJ ofi-ccimicnlo una jJrovidencia de r ch.ozo. pmobas sin ni siqujcra , devolvicndonos 105 Stemm y otro pcrsonaI rclevllntedc OM! cOlnprel\(JJa docuUlen1aci6n, !a deciaraeioJ, del Sr. Greg y eI de los barcos Odyssey ExpJorer Y Odyssey Alertofrecimicnlu de inspecci6n Con este mofivo he imentmJo pOl' 105 rnedios djscrecion posible, siguict1do los iJ)stmc(;ioue posicion oficial sobrc este tCJ11C1 a lui nlcancc !os propios int rcses CSpa1101es , merlhmtc r.eirlns a diversCis utOtidlldes y el MiniSlcl'io de Culturn , Ja Junta de Andalucia, la Fiscalia enircvistas con , el Juzgado dc Lfl Linea de la Concepcion , et , A mi jnicio religrosa pam illfonnes y dec1a , con la rm lxillia rle mi cliel1te , c\'ilm' la HIisa eJ 1l.aS millmo resuhado. acione$ 11 la prcnsa, sin AcompaDD J1 Stemm. esta carta uun declanwi6n 1a declanwiou jurada del Sr. Greg Valgan estas Jincas , Sr. Director General 1.1 mas leal actuacion por parle de , pam deja/" Una cbra constancia de OME y de lamcnhmdo por mi p,ute en ftmcion de mi mmetido quicl: esto suscrjbeprof ional y aun como cspanol , no pDder cvitar, GOIDO hubicra sido estro dcseo, Jas sHl.aciones previsiblemente comprometidas pura la Administracion cspmlola que sc de riven Bus It:,gitimo.s dcrechos en uefcnsfi de sus mtcn scs , aSl COIno de 1a posicion espanola en relacion con el patrmoOLO subacualico en Ios foros del ejcrcicio par parle de OME de judiciale,! intcrnacional Es dcseo y politica pCID1aneJJte de actaci60 en conocimieJJto de Jus atJioridades i. OME poner antlcipadamcnte mplicadas. Asi )0 su en todo momento en relncion proximBs a las costas lamelltabJemcntc , se nos Diega cl1aJqujer linea de interloeueioD adectlada. y embargo ' n ste motivo , eOJ) los movimiemos de sus csptli.o1as- En estos tnomclllos bareD!; sit, bel hecho Il aO'I!88 Ie saluda tmjyalenronmnte e Luis Gofii Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP L, Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 6 of 52 SF. R&\'fIE COPTA DE ESTA CAIn A y DOCUMENTOS A: Don Jose Maria Pon Irazazabal DirectOl General de l'oJitk' a Jixt cri or pam Europa y America tlc1l\ortc Ministcrio de Asunlos ExLenorcs y Coop raci6n Ediicio Torres A.gorn C! Sewu)O Galvache 26 28006 Madrid AJmirallte Don Teodoro de Leste Contrera Djmctordd Museo Naval do Madrid Museu Naval de M.mlrid caHe Montalbnn 2 28014 Madrid Fiscal Don Angel NUilel Fi&cD.H de la A udictle;iOl Provincial de C;:\(Jiy Cuesta de las Calcsas sin 11071 CadiI'. Comandantc COlles Calle SaliilS del Rosia 32 28042 M drld Uojdad Central Opcrativa de la Guardia Civil Deparimento de Dclilos c.ontra cl Patdmonio D, Je us Romero Benitez Director General de Aiencs Culturales Coosejerla de CuUnn! Junta de AIldnlucia Palacio de .t\tmnira Santa Mnria Ja BImlC3 , 1 41004 SEVILLA Dofta Mara Teresa Fernandez de la Vega Vlce Presidentn Mir.terio de la Prc.idencia 28071 Madrd Pricrd, Minisl1tt ue Ja .Pesidmtcia v POrlavoz del Gnbit:n1O Complejo de ia Monc1oa A venida Ptrena de HJcrro Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 7 of 52 MARINE EXPLORATION YSSEY SWORN STATEMENT GREGORY STEMM DATED JUY 5, 2007 T/rs document is confidential and intended only for the use of the recipient. It should nDt be distributed to any party without QuthorizatiDn oj an offcer or legal representative oj Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 8 of 52 MARINE EXPLORATION SWORN STATEMENT July 5 , YSSEY 2007 address My full name is Gregory Stemm. My legal deletedJ. fpersonal home address I am competent to testifY as to the matters covered in this statement. I swear or affi that the facts herein are tre to the best of my lmowledge. Inc. I am the Co-founder and Co-chairan of Odyssey Mare Exploration, Odyssey ) an American company incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada with its pricipal place of business located in Tampa, Florida. I am authorized to speak on behalf of Odyssey. Odyssey has recovered coins and artfacts from the Atlantic Ocean from a site which Odyssey has code-named the "Black Swan." For securty reasons, Odyssey has 110t disclosed the date of recovery or the exact location of the site. Odyssey has not recovered suffcient evidence to establish the identity of the ship :Iom which the "Black Swan" coins and artfacts origiated. Odyssey has properly fied a Warant of AIest in the United States Federal Court sitting in admialty jursdiction. The Cour has granted Odyssey finder and/or salvor in possession status and has appointed Odyssey as Substitute Custodian for the U. S. Marshall for a11 artifacts recovered :Iom the site. Following strngent archaeological arfacts :Iom the protocols, Odyssey recovered coins and site after a detailed pre-disturbance surey and transported them back to the of the survey United States to be conserved using appropriate curatorial methods. All aspects were conducted llder the direct supervsion of qualified archaeologists. The fITt shipment of "Black Swan" site arifacts transported from Gibraltar was shipped on April 10 , 2007 from Gibraltar to Tampa, Florida via a private GS aircraft. This Page 1 ofl 0 Tlzs document is confidential and intended only for the I/se of the recipient. It should not be distributed to an)' party without authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 9 of 52 shipment consisted of plumps of silver coins, and small miscellaneous artifacts. The second shipment of coins and artifacts took place on May 16, 2007 from Gibraltar to Tampa, Florida via a North American Ailines Boeing 757. The shipment consisted of miscellaneous artifacts as well as 552 containers of silver coins. In each case, Odyssey submitted all appropriate paperwork as required by the Government of Gibraltar for legal exportation of all materials exported. All appropriate laws and customs regulations were also followed upon arrval of the materials into the United States. 10. Contrar to some media reports, the United Kingdom s Ministr of Defence had no involvement whatsoever in the storage, conservation or any other aspect of the recovery or transportation of the coins and artfacts from the "Black Swan" site. 11. Federal Court' s Odyssey has retained custody of the coins and arfacts order. Odyssey pursuant to the U. s archaeological plan includes the possibilty of returning to the site to begi the second phase of archaeological investigation in order to attempt to confirm the identity of the ship from which the cargo may have origiated so that any and all parties that may have a potential claim.to the coins and arfacts may be notified. Odyssey is finalizing its intial archaeological report relative to the site, the coins, and the artfacts recovered, and is now in the process of preparng a detailed statement for the U.S. Federal Court which jursdiction over the has assumed site. the 12. The statement to be filed with the U.S. Federal Cour is expected to include following: a. the initial archaeological report prepared by Odyssey on the Black Swan site and the coins and artifacts; b. a statement of conservators regarding the status of the coins and artifacts recovered and the efforts and expenses of Odyssey to date associated with conservation as wen as an estiate Page 2 of 10 This document of expenses going forward; confidential and intellded only for the use of the recipient. It should not be distributed to any party without authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. is Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 10 of 52 affdavits fTom varous pleadings; and Odyssey personnel regarding facts alleged in the d. other information which may be useful to the Cour in determining the rights of Odyssey and any potential third partes. 13. Recovery of the coins and arifacts from the "Black Swan" site has been the subject of intense international media attention and speculation , especial1y in Spain. Many ofthe Spanish media reports have been :flled with inaccuracies , including false claims that the "Black Swan" coins and arfacts and/or artfacts from other shipwrecks were recovered ilegal1y from Spanish temtorial waters. 14. Spain has filed claims in three pending court cases in which Odyssey has filed site, Wanants of Arrest. None of those sites, however, including the " Black Swan" are located in or near Spansh waters. Additionally, since the public anouncement of the discovery of the Black Swan" site , Odyssey has been very clear that the cargo recovered was in no way related to Odyssey s "Alboran Sea Project" nor the wreck site of what is believed to be HMS Sussex. 15. and the At various times afer January 2007, Odyssey s two ships, the Odyssey Explorer coast of Spain Ocean Alert were engaged in survey activities off the Mediterranean pursuant to the surey plan envisioned and described in the "Alboran Sea Project" which was including representatives of the submitted to, and approved by Spanish authorities Andalucia. These Junta of activities consisted principally of conductig side scan sonar surveys in the Alboran Sea with the purposes of locating anomalies in order to map shipwreck sites in the area. These activities took place while awaiting the appointment Andalucia, prior to beginning the archaeological of archaeologists by the Junta investigation of the site believed to be HMS Sussex. It was intended that data from these surveys would be furnshed to the Junta of Andalucia pursuant to the "Alboran Sea Project" plan. This docl/ment Page 3 oflO confidential and intended only for the use of the recipient. It should /Jot be distrbuted to any party withollt allthorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. is Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 11 of 52 16. Odyssey s vessel , the Ocean Alert does not have an ROV or recovery system of to acoustic survey operations. Thus , any kind aboard, and it was dedicated entiely it would have been impossible for this slrip to have been involved in any recovery of artfacts off the coast of Spain or anywhere else. Reports that the AIS monitoring system showed the ship moving from offshore to closer inshore were simply a reflection of the surey lines that were being run pursuant to the specific notice which had been provided to the Guardia Civil relative to these activities prior to leaving POlt on each occasion. 17. The Odyssey ExplOl'el' was involved in acoustic surey only beyond Spanish terrtorial waters, as wen as inspection of anomalies using the ZEUS ROV system, also only beyond Spanish terrtorial waters. Some shipwrecks were discovered during this period and their locations as well as archeological profiles were recorded. Odyssey is prepared to present data describing the location and information relatig to shipwreck sites located durng the course of the surveys to the Spanish authorities as originally established within the "Alboran Sea Project" plan which was submitted to , and approved by the Spansh Governent and the Andalucia. 18. Junta of The "Black Swan" site is located in the Atlantic Ocean beyond the terrtorial outside any waters which waters or contiguous zone of any sovereign state , and in particular, have been claimed by Spain. As stated above , the exact location of the site cannot be given at ths time for security reasons. Odyssey believes that valuable arfacts may stin lie on the site, and because there are salvage companies with the capacity to undertake excavations that would violate Odyssey s exclusive status as salvor/finder in possession , there is a clear and present danger to the unprotected site. 19. Odyssey issued a press release regarding the "Black Swan" recovery on May 18 2007 and a subsequent clarifyg statement on May 21 , 2007. (Those are attached hereto as Composite Exhibit A). Page 4 oflO This document is confidential and intended only for the lIse of the recipient. It should not be distributed to any party witllollt authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 12 of 52 20. On May 29, 2007, Odyssey s attorneys attended a meetig at the Spanish Ministr of Culture in Madrid and explained Odyssey s activities to the Director General of Fine Ars and Cultural Assets, Mr. Julian Martinez Garcia. Odyssey s explanations were rejected out of hand by ths gentleman and he stated that he was only interested in the location and identity of the wreck irrespective of the risk this could create for the wreck site. Odyssey s attorneys were informed that no additional meetings would be possible until Odyssey agreed to provide the location and identity of the "Black Swan" site , in spite of the assertion of Odyssey s attorneys that there was not sufficient evidence to confirm the identity of any ship related to the " Black Swan " site and that revealing.the location of the site would endanger the site and should only be authorized through the u. S. Federal Cour Judge who had jurisdiction over the site. 21. On or about June 5 , 2007 , Odyssey became aware through the Spansh press that an order for a crminal investigation had allegedly been issued by a Spansh court which would allow Spanish offcials to intercept and inspect Odyssey s vessels if they attempted to depar Gibraltar, where they were and curently are docked. Media reports indicated that the order was based on a claim that Odyssey had ilegally recovered coins and artfacts in Spansh terrtorial waters. 22. On June 11 , 2007 , Odyssey, though its attorneys, presented themselves before the court to request a copy of the alleged Order which had been referenced in the Spanish media ITom the judge in the Court of La Linea de La Concepcion N , the Honorable Mr. Juan Jose Navas Blanquez. Odyssey s attorney, however, was told by that Judge that the proceedings were secret" at this time and that Odyssey could not be provided with any information on the subject or scope of the investigation or confiation that an order for the arrest of any vessels even existed. Nevertheless, Odyssey s attorney offered the possibilty of an inspection of Odyssey ships as well as the possibility of an intervew with a legal representative of Odyssey. Odyssey attorney was encouraged by the judge to file an appearance in the proceedings and to offer any Page 5 of 10 Tlls doci/ment is confidential and intended only for the rIse of the recipient. It should not be distributed to any party without authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 13 of 52 information Odyssey would like the judge to consider. Later that day, Odyssey s attorney fied an appearance pleading (including the power of attorney) at court in wmch Odyssey confied that no shipwreck related to the "Black Swan" site had been identified, and that the site was not located in Spanish jursdictional waters. The pleading also made an offer to assist the judge in his investigations. 23. In addition, on June 14, 2007 Odyssey s attorney appeared before the Offce the Public Prosecutor in Cadiz to attempt to learn more about the proceedings and to again offer to cooperate on Odyssey s behalf. The attorney was told the same thing that he had been told on June 11 by the Judge, that the order was secret, and again he was encouraged to offer any available information to the Judge. 24. On June 21 2007 , and contrary to the indications made to Odyssey s attorney by both the Judge and the Offce of the Public Prosecutor, the Judge called Odyssey s court representative (procurator) to ask him to collect the original pleading and power of attorney which had been filed with the court, thereby rejecting any attempt by Odyssey to appear or offer evidence in the on-going investigation allegedly being conducted against the company. The on June 14 original pleading, duly sealed by the cour via the procurator. 25. 2007 , was returned to Odyssey s attorneys While Odyssey s attorneys were attempting to be heard by the Spanish Court Odyssey prepared a pleading for the Cour of Instrction of La Linea de la Concepcion in its defense and in response to the reports of the al1eged secret order for the inspection and possible aITests of its vessels. Odyssey intended to fie that pleading with the Spanish Cour had the Court allowed Odyssey to appear in its own defense. 26. In that pleading, Odyssey explained that: Odyssey bad not confinned the identity of the vessel in which the cargo recovered from the "Black Swan " site was cared. Consequently, the This docl/ment Page 6 of 1 0 confidential and intended only for the lIse of the recipient. It should not he distributed to any party without authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey MOline Exploration Inc. is Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 14 of 52 Spanish State could not have any proof that any of the artfacts belong to Spain. recovered b. the U.S. Court has taken jursdiction over the arest and that Spain has made an appearance before the U.S. Court to pursue its rights and claims in that forum. c. on November 13 , 2006, Odyssey anounced to the Directorate General of Fine Arts of the Ministr of Cultue in Madrd, in a meeting attended by Greg Stemm representig Odyssey and Odyssey Luis Goni , s legal counsel, Mr. Jose the possibility of shipwreck finds which could have cultual historical interest to Spain. Odyssey offered to Spain the opportnity to collaborate in the projects discussed, and made clear that some of the wrecks were in danger ITom other salvors and that the company was prepared to collaborate with Spain to identify and protect these sites. Ths offer had also been made on varous occasions to Spansh and Andalucian authorities. d. No recovery of any arfacts or cultural hertage materials has taken place in undisputed Spanish terrtorial waters from Odyssey s vessels. e. All operations in the Alboran Sea, since the arrival of both Odyssey s ships to the area in 2007, were reported in advance and c10sely monitored by the Guardia Civil. (Copies of the Notices to the Guardia Civil are attached hereto as Exhibit B). No artfacts from any shipwrecks or underwater sites are aboard either of Odyssey s vessels at this time, and it is not intended that any will be aboard either ship when they depar Gibraltar. g. A legal representative of Odyssey was available to give testimony regarding alleged activities in Spanish waters before a Judge upon issuance of a This document is Page 7 of 10 confidential and intended ollly for the use of the recipient. It should not be distributed to any party without authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 15 of 52 subpoena and reasonable notice with a translator and assurance that he/she would not be detained. h. Odyssey would allow inspection of its vessels on mutually agreed terms by a cour appointed inspector. 27. Also in response to allegations in the Spanish media regarding Odyssey presence near Spanish waters in March 2007 , Odyssey, on June 22 , 2007, issued a statement that it had been hired by Volvo Cars of North America , LLC to sin a modem treasure chest in a organized in cooperation location outside Spanish terrtorial waters as par of a Volvo contest with the Walt Disney Company to promote Disney s Pirates oj the Caribbean: At World' s End. Odyssey was workig under non-disclosure agreements with Volvo and Disney which restrcted it from explain:ig its activities durg this perod or prior to June 22 , 2007 without violating the terms of this non- disclosure agreement. (A copy of Volvo s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit C). 28. Volvo s confirmation of Odyssey s activities is attached as Exhibit D , a letter prepared by Volvo:i support of Odyssey on June 7 , 2007 and submitted to Spanish authorities. 29. Despite Odyssey s attempts to explain its activities to the Spanish court Odyssey s vessels have been forced to remain in Gibraltar under threat of Spanish interference with their departe, which has been communicated to Odyssey through diplomatic chanels without any clear accusations, charges or possibility for Odyssey to present evidence. 30. Odyssey has not been offcially informed of any charges aga:ist it. However, in addition to the plead:igs which it has attempted to file and the public statements it has made , and in an attempt to address the " secret" allegations, Odyssey fies herewith a chronological summary of its communications with the Kigdom of Spain and the autonomous region of Andalucia since July of 1998. (Exhibit E) Page 8 of 10 This document is confidential and intellded only for the lIse of the recipient. It should not be distributed to allY party without authorization of an offcer or legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Illc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 16 of 52 31. Odyssey remains willing to cooperate with cour-ordered investigations including the inspection of its ships in compliance with international law. Odyssey has suffered and contiues to suffer fiancial damages as a result of the threats in Spain based on unounded al1egations against the company, its vessels , and crew. 32. Odyssey intends to move its vessels, the Oceal1 Alert a Panamanian flagged vessel , and the Odyssey E:xplorer a Bahamian flagged vessel, ITom Gibraltar to locations beyond any waters claimed by Spain. 33. Prior to sailing, Odyssey may remove from the vessels certain survey, video and inspection equipment unneces-sar to the voyage in order to ship them to another location to begi operations elsewhere. Odyssey will maitain a list of any equipment which has been removed and win produce that list along with customs documentation confidentially upon wrtten request from the Spanish Government. Odyssey warrants that none of the equipment removed represents any evidence which could in any way contain inormation or be used to demonstrate that any ilegal activities within Spanish terrtorial waters have taken place. 34. Odyssey intends to inform the Guardia Civil and Spanish authorities of its to deparre plans prior depare of its ships so that an inspection of Odyssey s vessels may be coordinated on mutually-agreed terms. 35. Because false and misleading information has been distrbuted through the Spanish media, and because Odyssey s responses to the alleged criminal order to which it has been denied access have gone unheard , I have prepared this Sworn Statement to clarfY misinformation which has appeared in the press relatig to Odyssey s activities. Page 9 of 10 This document is confidential and intended only for the lIse of the recipient. It should not be distributed to any party without authorization of an offcer 01' legal representative of Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. N C = Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 17 of 52 I CERTIF THAT THE ABOVE IS TRue KNOWLEDGE A:.1) CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY Gregory St Co fouod"r mid Co.Chairman. Odyssey Marine E.'pIlmllion Jne COUI\'TY OF HILLSBOROUGH Tht foregoing instrumem was acknowledged befor; me this day of July, 2007, by I"" U'I e tS persona y,,lown )y me. .1/l(:h7" STATE OF FLORIOA ;! /:r '4;J,/L",: e,7 BETSY W MARRERO cmr;C )'.'.""'-."'''''."u''''.'''....'.-r.'.'.oIlllllolI'l Notar)' Pub Ii\; 1I121! : 000:17.oSi5 : !! / 1o..""'/&!f"." " -G ""''''''..'..'1.. t': ABen van Sp Counsel fPl'-:oyssey :Vhrin,;. Exploralion. Inc. ST/\.TE OF COU11T' OF HILLSBOROL7GH The oregoing ins Allen VOIl SplegeJfdd. He. FLORIA u:em , was acknowlc. before me this 5th day of July. 2007. by (;; personally !ulOWIl Ol"'lYP",UC. $T'''OFFcO''DA :;\ Gayla M. ''m' .!,'SDS3 Sion#DD59B439 Arold '. 16 24 , 2010 Page d ol!fyj; - lhc ry Puohe lpJ... SEP RU I \.";nc aO iDr;GCo. Ifc" of 10 HS,: f/ This dOi:umen: i.( 0 ronfidl!" I!i(ll r:nd i!!h l!d any pillT)' .dl!:f)ll! iJ;Jrho,.i:'i If()/1l)f.un r-!ffi lh:: ri.;_ cr or legal ri:pr(. en.!():i e ( f J l!i. f! should 11(7i hi' disil'iiwICd ijJ Oii \"SSL'Y kfari.'!l:' E :ploratj()n Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 18 of 52 MARINE EXPJ.ORATION YSSEY DECLARCION JUA Esta es una traducci6n de Ia carta en ingles. Ala medida que haya discrepancia entre las dos versiones la version inglesa siempre prevalece This dOClmenl confidenlial alld j//ended on(l'for Ihe IIse Dflhe I'ecipiem. 1/ s/1OJlld not be dislributed to any party without Ql/t/wl'i:mtiol1 q(an l.tJcel' or legall'epresentatil'e of Odyssey Marine Er:plaralian Inc, Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 19 of 52 Traduccion Esta es una traduccion de la carta en ingles. A la medida que haya discrepancia entre las dos versiones, la version inglesa siempre prevalece DECLARCION 1. Mi nornbre completo direccion particular suprimida JUA 5 de julio de 2007 es Gregory Stemm. Mi direcci6n a efectos legales es J. Tengo capacidad suficiente para realizar esta declaraci6n en re1aci6n con los ternas tratados a continuacion. 2. Juro 0 afimlO que los hechos relatados aqui son exactos segim mi saber y entender. 3. Soy el Co-fundador de Odyssey Mare Exploration Inc. (en adelante Odyssey), empresa americana constituida segun las leyes del Estado de Nevada que po see sus oficinas centrales en Tampa , Florida. Odyssey para realizar esta declaracion. 4. Estoy autorizada por 5. Odyssey ha recuperado rnonedas y artefactos del occano Atlantico de un yacirniento a que Odyssey ha dado el nombre codificado de " Black Swan . Por razones de seguridad , Odyssey no ha publicado la fecha del descubriento ni la localizaci6n exacta del yacimiento. 6. Odyssey no ha obtenido suficientes pruebas para poder identificar el buque del una orden de embargo ante la Jurisdicci6n Unidos. El Juzgado americano ha cilal proceden las monedas y 105 artefactos recuperados del " Black Swan 7. Odyssey ba debidamente presentado Maritima del Juzgado Federal de 1013 Estados concedido a Odyssey el estatus de descubridor y/o salvador en posesi6n y ha nombrado a Odyssey como depositaro de todos 1013 artefactos recuperados del yacimiento en sustituci6n del U.S. Marshall. 8. Siguiendo rigurosos protoc010s arqueo16gicos , Odyssey ha recuperado monedas artefactos del yacimiento despues (predistl/rbance survey) de una inspecci6n pre-remoci6n ponnenorizada y los l1a transportado a 1013 EE.UU para ser conservados de acuerdo con metodos de cuidado correspondientes. Toda la inspecci6n se realizo bajo la supervision directo de arque6Jogos certificados. 9. El primer embarque de artefactos del yacimiento del " Black Swan" sali el 10 de abril 2007 desde Gibraltar a Tampa , Florida en un avi6n privado G5. Este embarque consistfa en grpos de monedas de plata , y pequefios artefactos rniscehlneos. El segundo embarque de monedas y artefactos salieron el16 de mayo desde Gibraltar a Tampa , Florida en un avi6n de Nort American Ailines Este docl/mento es cO/lfidendal y solo para eluso del recipiente designado. No debe ser distribuido a cllalquier parte Sill autorizacion de un oficial 0 representante legal de Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 20 of 52 Boeing 757. El embarque consistia de artefactos misceUmeos asi como 552 envases de monedas de plata. En cada caso , Odyssey cumpli6 con todos 10s tnimites y requisitos aduaneros del Gobiemo de Gibraltar para la legitima exportaci6n de los materiales. Asimismo , todos 105 requisitos legales e aduaneros apropiados fueron cumplidos en cuanto llegaron estos bienes a los Estados Unidos. 10. Contrariamente a comunicaciones , el Minsterio de Defensa del Reino Unido no participo absoluto en el almacenaje , conservaci6n 0 en cualquier otra operaci6n relativa a la recuperaci6n 0 transportaci6n de las monedas y artefactos del yacimiellto del Black Swan la informaci6n publicada par algunos medios de 11. Odyssey ha mantenido la custodia de las monedas y de los artefactos de acuerdo con la orden del Juzgado Federal americano. EI plan arqueologico de Odyssey incluye la posibilidad de volver al yacimiento para empezar la segunda fase de la investigacion arqueol6gica con el fin de intentar confirmar la identificaci6n del yacimiento de donde podia haber procedido la carga para que todas y cada uno de las partes que potencialmente posean alglm derecho sabre las monedas y 10s artefactos pueden ser notificadas. Odyssey esti finalizando su infonne arqueol6gico preliminar relativo al yacimiento , las monedas y los artefactos recuperados , y esta actualmente e1aborando una declaracion pormenorizada para el Juzgado Federal del EE.DU. que ha asumido la jurisdicci6n sobre el yacimiento. 12. La declaracion que va a ser presentada ante el Juzgado Federal del EE.DU. se espera que inc1uya la siguiente informacion: el informe arqueol6gico preliminar de Odyssey sobre e1 yacimiento del "Black Swan" y las monedas y artefactos; una dec1araci6n realizada por expertos en conservaci6n en re1aci6n con el estado de las monedas y los artefactos recuperados y las operaciones de conservaci6n y gastos incurrdos par Odyssey hasta fecha as! como un presupuesto de 10s gastos futuros declaraciones juradas de varios empleados de Odyssey en relacion con los hechos descritos en los escritos; y otra informaci6n que pudiera ser de utilidad a1 Juzgado americano (para detennar los derechos terceros potenciales; de Odyssey y de cualquier otros 13. La recuperaci6n de las monedas y de los artefactos procedentes del "Black Swan" ha sido objeto de una intensa atenci6n y especulaci6n mediatica intemacional , particu1armente en Espana. Muchos de los reportajes mediaticas espafiolas se encuentran llenas de equivocaciones inc1uyendo falsas Este documento es cOl1jidencial y solo para ell/so del recipiente designado. No debe ser distribllido a cualqllier parte sin autorizaciol1 de un oficial 0 representante legal de Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 21 of 52 afirmacionessobre la recuperaci6n ilegal de las monedas y artefactos del "Black Swan y/o artefactos de otms pecios de aguas territoriales espafiolas. 14. Espana l1a presentado reclamaciones judiciales en tres de los casas pendientes ante el Juzgado americano en los cuales Odyssey ha solicitado una orden de embargo. Sin embargo, niguo de estos yacimientos, incluyendo el yacimiento del "Black Swan , estan ni cerca ni en aguas espafiolas. Asimismo, desde el anuncio publico del descubrimiento del yacimiento del " Black Swan , Odyssey ha declarado contundentemente que la carga recuperada de ninguna manera esta relacionada con el Proyecto Mar de Alboran de Odyssey, il con el yacimiento de 10 que se piensa ser el HMS Sussex. 15. En varias ocasiones despues de enero 2007, 10s dos buques de Odyssey, el Ocean Alert realizaron operaciones de inspecci6n cerca de la costa mediterranea espanola de conformidad con 10 previsto y descrito el plan de inspecci6n del Proyecto Mar de Alboran que fue presentado y aprobado Odyssey Explorer y el Andalucfa. Estas operaciones consistian pricipalmente por las Autoridades espafioles incluyendo 10s representantes de la Junta de en reaHzar sondeos barrdo laterales en el Mar del Alboran con el proposito de localizar anomalfas para pader catalogar pecias en la zona. Estas operaciones se realizaron mientras Odyssey esperaba el nombramiento par parte de la Junta de Andalucfa de los arque610gos , antes de comenzar la investigaci6n arqueo16gica del yacirento que se cree ser el HMS Sussex. Proyecto Mar de Alboran. 16. E1 buque de Odyssey Ocean Alert Era la intencion de Odyssey entre gar la informaci6n de estas investigaciones a la Junta de Andalucfa de acuerdo con el carece de sistema de control remota (ROV) u cualqL1iera de recuperaci6n abordo , y se dedic6 enteramente a Por 10 tanto, seria (acoustic survey). realizar operaciones de sondeo acustico otro sistema imposible que este buque realizara la recL1peraci6n de cualquier artefacto fuera de las costas de Espana 0 en cualquier otro lugar. Las informaciones del sistema de vigilancia AIS que muestran los movimientos del buque des de el exterior bacia zonas mas cercanas a la costa son simplemente ref1ejos de las lineas de sondeo que se trazaban , de conformidad con la especifca notificaci6n que en cad a ocasi6n se realizaba a la Guardia Civil antes de salir del Puerto en relaci6n con estas operaciones. Odyssey Explorer 17. E1 buque realiz6 sondeos acusticas mas alia de las aguas terrtoriales espafiolas unicamente , as! como mspecciones de anomalias utilizando el sistema de ROV ZEUS tambien (micamente mas alia de aguas territoriales espafiolas. Se descubrieron algunos pedos durante este periodo su localizacion as! como sus perfies arqueologicos fueron catalogados. Odyssey esta dispuesto facilitar datos en relaci6n can la localizaci6n e informaci6n relevante a 10s yacimientos encontrados durante estos sonde os alas autoridades espafioles tal como se estableci6 originalmente en el Proyecto Mar del Alboran que fue presentado a, y aprobado par el Gobierno espanol y la Junta de Andalucia. Este documento es corifidencial y solo para el uso del recipiente designado. No debe ser distribuido a cualquier parte sin autorizacion de un oficial 0 representante legal de Odyssey Marine R'Cploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 22 of 52 18. E1 yacimiento del "Black Swan" esta localizado en el oceano Ath'intico mas alia de aguas teITtoria1es 0 zonas contiguas de cualquier estado partcular, lejos de soberano, y en aguas jurisdiccionales reclamadas par Espana. Como se dice , 1a localizaci6n exacta del yacimiento no puede ser reve1ada en anteriormente este momenta para salvaguardar 1a seguridad del yacimiento. Odyssey cree que pueden existir aun mas artefactos valiosos en 1a zona del yacimiento y dado que existen empresas de sa1vamento con capacidad de rea1izar excavaciones que pueden vio1ar e1 estatus exclusivo de Odyssey como salvador/descubridor en posesion, existe una claro y real peligro para el yacimiento desprotegido. public6 una nota de 19. EI 18 de mayo de 2007, Odyssey 21 de mayo de prensa relativa a la recuperaci6n del "Black Swan" y posteriormente una declaracion aclaratoria el 2007. (Ambos notas de prensa se adjunta como Doc. A). 20. El 29 de mayo de 2007, 105 Ietrados de Odyssey acudieron a una reunion can el Ministerio de Cultura espana I en Madrid dande explicaron las actividades de Odyssey al Director General de Bellas Artes y Bienes Cultura1es, D. Julian Martinez Garcia. Las explicaciones ofiecidas par Odyssey fueron rechazadas sin mas por el Director quien insisti6 que s610 Ie interesaba la localizaci6n e identidad del pecio a pesar del riesgo que esto supondrfa para el yacimiento. 1etrados de Odyssey fueron informados pOT e1 Director General que Los habrfa mas reuniones hasta que Odyssey entregase la localizaci6n y la identidad del yacimiento del "Black Swan , sin tener en cuenta que, por parte de IDS letrados de Odyssey, se afirmase que no habfa prueba suficiente para confirmar la identidad del yacimiento del "Black Swan" y de que la revelaci6n de la localizaci6n pondria en peligro al yacimiento y que s610 se podria autorizar a traves del Juez del Juzgado Federal americano can jurisdicci6n sabre el yacimiento. 21. Alrededor del 5 de junio de 2007, Odyssey se enter6 por la prensa espanola que a1egadamente un Juzgado espana! habia emitido una orden dentro de un procedimiento penal por 1a que se autorizaba alas autoridades espafio1es a interceptar e investigar alas buques pertenecientes a Odyssey en la medida que abandonen Gibraltar, donde siguen atracados en 1a actualidad. La infonnaci6n de 1a prensa indicaba que la orden se fundamentaba en a1egaciones de que Odyssey habfa recuperado monedas y artefactos ilegalmente de aguas territoriales espafiolas. 22. Ell1 de jumo de 2007, con el fin de obtener una copia de 1a mencionada orden Odyssey, a traves de su letrado espanol , se present6 ante e1 Juzgado a1 que bacia referencia la prensa (Juzgado de 1a Linea de la Concepci6n n , siendo el Juez e1 Sr. Juan Jose Navas Blanquez). EI Juez inorm6 a!letrado de Odyssey que las investigaciones tenian el cankter de " secreto " en ese momento y que por tanto Odyssey no podia ser faciltado informacion a1guna sobre el ambito 0 la materia objeto de la investigacion ni siquiera podia conflar si existfa 0 no la citada orden de detenci6n. No obstante e11etrado ofreci6 a dicbo juez 1a posibilidad de una inspecci6n de los buques de Odyssey asf como ofrecer una entrevista con un representante legal de Odyssey. El Juez sugiri6 al letrado de Odyssey que Este docllmel1to es confidencial y solo para ser distribuido a cualqllier parte sin autorizacion de un oficial ell/so del recipiente designado. No debe representante legal de Odyssey Marille Exploration Illc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 23 of 52 Odyssey sepersonara y que Ie ofreciera por escrito cualquier informaci6n que Odyssey quisiera que el Juez tuviera en cuenta. Posterionnente ese mismo dfa el letrado de Odyssey present6 el escrito de personaci6n (acompafiado de un poder para pleitos) ante el Juzgado reiterando que no habia sido identificado ningLm pecio relacionado con el yacimiento del "Black Swan" y que dicho yacirniento no se encontraba en aguas jurisdiccionales espaoolas. En el mismo escrito se realizaba una oferta de colaboraci6n para asistir al Juez en su investigaci6n. 23. Asf mismo, el 14 de junio de 2007, el letrado de Odyssey aeudi6 a la oficma del Fiscal en Cadiz con el prop6sito de averiguar toda la infonnaci6n posible sobre la investigaci6n penal y para reiterar la buena voluntad de Odyssey en cooperar con las investigaciones. El letrado recibi6 la rnisma infonnaci6n que Ie habfa facilitado el Juez elll de junio de 2007 (que el procedimiento era secreta) y fue alentado de nuevo para facilitar cualquier infonnaci6n disponible al Juez. 24. E121 de juno de 2007 , y contraramente alas indicaciones realizadas a11etrado de Odyssey tanto por el Juez como por el Fiscal, el Juez lIamo el procurador de Odyssey para que recogiera el escrito origial de personaci6n y el poder para plietos que habian sido presentados ante el Juzgado, rechazando asf cualquier intento par parte de Odyssey de comparecer u ofrecer informaci6n para ayudar en la investigaci6n que supuestamente se esta llevando a cabo contra Odyssey. E1 escrito origial con sello de entrada el 14 de junio de 2007 fue devuelto al letrado de Odyssey a traves de su procuradar. 25. Mientras el letrado de Odyssey mtent6 comparecer lnstrucci6n, Odyssey prepar6 un escrito de defensa Instrucci6n de La Linea de la Concepci6n y en respuesta alas inonnaciones relativas al secreta de la orden de inspecci6n y posible detenci6n de sus buques. Odyssey pretendi6 presentar dicho escrito frente al Juzgado espanol en el casa de que ese Juzgado Ie hubiera pennitido defenderse. 26. En dicho escrito Odyssey explicaba 10 siguiente: ante el Juzgado de para el Juzgado de Que Odyssey no habia confado la identidad del barco en el que habia sido transportado el cargamento. Por consiguiente el Estado espaool no puede disponer de prueba alguna de que 10s arefactos recuperados pudieran pertenecerle. Que el Juzgado americano tiene jurisdiccion sobre el embargo y que Espana ha comparecido ante dicho Juzgado para hacer valer reclamar sus derechos en dicho foro. Que el dia 13 de noviembre de 2006, Odyssey anunci6 a la Direcci6n General de Bellas Ares del Minsterio de Cultura, en Madrd, en una reuni6n mantenida entre yo mismo en representacion de Odyssey, acornpanado delletrado de Odyssey, D. Jose Luis Gooi y Dona Elisa de Cabo del Ministerio de Cultura, la posibilidad del hallazgo de pecios que podrian tener interes cultural 0 hist6rico para Espana. Este dOCllmento es confidelldal y solo para ell/so del recipiente designado. No debe representante legal de ser distribuido a cualquier parte sin autorizacion de U/1 oficial Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 24 of 52 Odyssey ofreci6 a Espana proyectos comentados la oportnidad de colaborar en 105 de Odyssey dej6 muy claro que algunos estos pecios estaban en peligro de caer en manos de otros salvadores y que Odyssey estaba dispuesta a colaborar con Espana para identificar y proteger tales yacimientos. Esta ofert reiterado en diversas ocasiones a las autoridades andaluzas. ya se habfa espanolas e Que los buques de Odyssey no han llevado a cabo ninguna recuperaci6n de artefactos a patronio cultural de nigun tipo aguas terrtoriales espafiolas indiscutibles Que todas las operaciones en el Mar del Alboran desde la llegada de ambos buques de Odyssey a la zona en 2007 , fueron notificadas con antelaci6n a la Guardia Civil y vigiladas por esta muy de cerca (copias de las notificaciones realizadas a la Guardia Civil se adjuntan a este informe como Doc.B). Que ningun artefacto de cualquier pecio il yacimento subacuatico se encuentran a bordo de 10s buques de Odyssey en este momenta y la intenci6n es de que no haya ningun artefacto a bordo de los buques cuando salgan de Gibralta. Que un representante legal de Odyssey esta disponible para declarar ante el Juzgado espanol en relaci6n con alegadas actividades en aguas espafiolas tras requerimiento formal y con antelaci6n razonable can traductor bajo el compromiso de que no fuera encarcelado. Odyssey permitini una inspecci6n de sus buques en relaci6n can sus allegadas actividades en aguas espafiolas por un experto nombrado por el Juzgado. 27. As! mismo, en contestaci6n a las alegaciones realizadas por la prensa espanola en relaei6n can la presencia de Odyssey eerea de aguas espafiolas en maro de 2007 , Odyssey, el 22 de junio de 2007 , publico una declaracion en la que se afirraba que fue contratado pOI V oJvo Cars of North America , LLC para hundir un cofre modemo de tesoro en una, zona fuera de aguas territoriales espafiolas como parte del concurso organizada par Valva en colaboracion can Walt Disney World Company para promocianar el estreno de la pelfcula Caribe: el Fin de Mundo. Disney Piratas del Odyssey operaba bajo un acuerdo de confidencialidad can Volvo y Disney que le impedia explicar sus actividades durante este periodo o anterior al 22 de junio de 2007 sin violar 10s terminos de esta chiusula de contdencialidad del citado acuerdo. (Se adjunta una copia de la nota de prensa pubJicada par Odyssey como Doc. C). 28. Se adjunta como Doc. una carta de 7 de junio de 2007 escrita por Volvo confinnando las actividades de Odyssey y entregado alas autoridades espanolas. Este docl/mento es confidencial y solo para ell/so del recipiente designado. No debe ser distnbuido a cllalquier parle sin autorizaci6n de un oficial 0 representante legal de Odyssey Alar/7Ie Exploration l/lc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 25 of 52 29. A pesar de los intentos de Odyssey de explicar sus operaciones al Juzgado espano!, losbuques de Odyssey se han visto obligados a refugiarse en Gibraltar bajo amenazas par parte de Espana de interveni tras su salida; una informaci6n que 11a sido comunicada a Odyssey a traves de canales diplomaticos sin detal1ar las acusaciones, alegaciones y sin ofrecer a Odyssey posibilidad algua de defenderse. 30. Odyssey carece de notificaci6n oficial de cualquier cargo contra el1a. A pesar de eUo y ademas de los escritos que ha intentado presentar al Juzgado espanol y de las declaraciones publicas secretas contra Odyssey, Odyssey adjunta a 10 presente un resumen Comundad , y en un intento de responder alas alegaciones cronologico de sus comunicaciones con el Reina de Espana y la Aut6noma de Andalucia desde julio de 1998. (Doc. D). 31. Odyssey mantiene su intencion de colaborar can cualquier orden judicial incluyendo la inspecci6n de sus buques de acuerda con las leyes internacionales. Odyssey ha sufrido y continua sufrienda danos y perjuicios economicos como consecuencia de las amenazas de Espana basadas en alegaciones inndadas contra su empresa, sus buques y su triplllaci6n. de bandera 32. Odyssey tiene la illtenci6n de !levar a sus buques , el Ocean Alert con bandera de Bahamas, desde Gibraltar a un Odyssey Explorer panamefia y el lugar fuera de las aguas reclamadas par Espana. 33. Antes de salir, Odyssey puede sacar de los buques cierto equipo de investigaci6n , video e inspecci6n innecesaria para el viaje y de llevarlos a otro lugar donde pueden ser utilizados en sus operaciones. Odyssey mantendni un listado del cualquier equipo que se ha sacado y 10 entregani junto con la documentaci6n de aduanas confdencialmente siempre que el Estado espafiollo solicite por escrito. Odyssey garantiza que nada de este equipo supone prueba alguna que pudiese contener informacion 0 que pudiese ser utilizado para demostrar que se han llevado a cabo actividades ilegales dentro de las aguas territoriales espanolas. 34. Odyssey pretende infonnar a la Guardia Civil y las alltaridades espanolas de S1l plan de salida can anterioridad a esta can el fin de coordinar can seguridad una in5pecci6n de los buques de Odyssey. 35. En repuesta alas informaciones falsas y confusas de la prensa espafiola y dado que se Ie ha negado 5er oido a Odyssey contra la alegada orden judicial penal decretado en su contra , he preparado esta Declaraci6n Jurada con el fin aclarar la informaci6n incierta que ha aparecido en la prensa espanola en tamo a las actividades de Odyssey. CERTIFICO QUE LO ANTERIOR ES VERDADERO Y CORRCTO SEGUN SABER Y ENTENDER Este doclimento es c01zfdellcial y solo para el Zlsa del recipiellte 1/11 designado. No debe ser distribuida a cllalquier parte sin autorizacion de oficial 0 representante legal de Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 26 of 52 Gregory Stemm Co-Fundador de Odyssey Maline Exploration Inc ESTADO DE FLORIA CONDADO DE HI LSBOROUGH El citado docurnento fue atestado por rni el 5. Julio de 2007. Conozco personalrnente al finnante. Notario Publico Betsy W. Marrero No. De Comision DD0374815 Expira: Nov 28 , 2008 Fiador por Florida Notary Assn. , Inc. Allen von Spiegelfeld Letrado de Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc ESTADO DE FLORIA CONDADO DE HILSBOROUGH El citado docurnento fue atestado par rni el 5 Julio de 2007. Conozco personalrnente al firmante. Notaro Publico Gayla M. Arold No. De Comision DD598439 Expira: Sep 24, 2010 Fiador par Atlantic Bonding Co. Inc. Este documento es cOl1fidencial y solo para ell/so del recipiel1te designado. No debe ser distribuido a cllalqllier parte sin autorizacion de un aficial 0 representante legal de Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 27 of 52 MARINE EXPLORATION YSSEY TO EXHIT A (COMPOSITE) SWORN STATElVNT Black Swan Press Release on May 18 and Clarif Statements on May 21, 2007 ANXO A (COlVUESTO) DE CLAR CION JUA Nota da Prense del Black Swan de 18 de mayo Clarifique las Dec)araciones de 21 de mayo de 2007 I/se This docl/ment is conjidr!/tfof and inlr!/ded onlyfor the of the recipient. II shUllld not be distributed to an)' pnrty wl/hollt nllthori otloll of 1111OffcrJ Dr legllJ represrmtlllfve IIfOdysse)' Mllrine E..plormfOllllle. EslE! documellto es cm!ldIJllclalJ' sofo para e( !ISOde reclpJell/J deslgnadD. Na dehe ser dlstribl/idD 0 cllofqufer parte S;/I t:lIlori:oclcin de WI oficiaf represcnll/Itc legal de Or/J'sse)' Morioe E;rpfomtioo Inc. Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 28 of 52 Press Release Saurce: Odyssey Marine Exploration Odyssey s Latest Shipwreck Find Yields over 500 000 Silver and Gold Coins Friday May 16, 9:15 am ET World' s Largest Historical Shipwreck Coin Recovery Produces Record 17 Tons of Silver Currency TAMPA. Fla. -(BUSINESS WIRE)-Odyssey Marine Exploration (AMEX OMR News) . 1he world' leader In the field of deep-ocean shipwreck exploration announced today that it has completed the predisturbance archaeo!ogical survey and preliminary excavation of a Colonial period shipwreck site code-named "Black Swan" in an undisclosed location in the Atlantic Ocean. The artfac!s recovered from the sIte include aver 500, 000 silver coins weighing more than 17 tans, hundreds of gold coins, worked gold , and other artfacts, All recDvered Items have been legally Imported into the Unites States and placed in a secure , undisclosed location where they are undergoIng conservation and documentation. It is believed that 1h is recovery constitutes the largest collection of coins ever excavated from a hlstorlca! shipwreck site. They were recovered In conformity with Salvage Law and the Law of the Sea Convention, beyond thE! territorial waters or legaljurisdiction of any country. The Company does not belIeve that the recovery is subject to sovereign immunity by any nation pursuant to the Law of tie Sea Convention. The work accomplished to date on this site has diligently followed archaeological protocols usIng advanced robotic techno1ogy, and the artfacts are now undergoIng a meticulous conservation process by some of the world' s most experienced coin conservators. The Company is not prepared to disclose the possible identity of the shIpwreck at 1his UmE!, and may only do so after thoroughly examining the artfacts, analyzing the research and proving the identity, if possible , of the shipwreck. Our research suggests that there were a number of Colonial period shipwrecks that were lost in the area where this site Is located , so we are being very cautious about speculating as to the possible Identity of the shipwreck, " said John Morris, Odyssey Co-founder and CEO. "Nevertheless, we have treated thIs sIte with kid gloves and the archaeological work done by our team out there is unsurpassed. We are thoroughly documenting and recording the site , which we believe wil have immense historical sign!fcance. The remarkable condition of most of the first 6 000 silver coins conserved has been a pleasant surprise , and the gold coins are almost all dazzling mint state specImens " said Greg Stemm, Odyssey s Co-founder. "We are excited by the wide range of dates, origIns and varieties of the coIns, and we believe that the collecting community will be thriled when they see the quality and dIversity of the collection." The excavation of this site follows Odyssey s successful excavation of the 5S RepublicO, a shipwreck lost in 1865 off the US coasl The deep ocean robotic archaeological excavation of that site produced approximately 65, 000 artfacts , IncludIng over 50, 000 coIns with a retail value of over $75 mIllion. The company is continuing operations on several other projects with its ships and ROV systems , and Is currently awaiting the appointment of Spanish archaeologists following an arrangement wIth the Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 29 of 52 Spanish Government and the Junta of Andalucia prior to resuming operations on the Sussex project pursuant to an agreement with the UK Government For security reasons, as with the " Black Swan" projec the company may only announce the results of the other current projects after completion of the excavations or deJlvery of the artifacts to a safe location. About Odyssey Marine Exploration Odyssey Marine Exploratiol1 is a Publicly Traded US Company with several shIpwreck projects in various stages of development throughout the world. Additional information about Odyssey, the " Black WI.shlpwreck.net. Swan " project, and the Company s other activities is available at For addltonal1nfofmatlon, p!ease contact Natja Igney. Odyssey s Manager of Corporate Commun!catlons, at 813-876-1776 ext 2553. Odyssey Marine Exploration believes the information set forth In this Press Release may include forward- looking statements" withIn the meaning of the Private Securities litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Certin factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected In the forward-looking statements are set fort in "Risk Factors" in the Part I. Item 1A or the Company s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 , which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact: Odyssey Marine Exploration Tampa Natja Igney, 813- 876- 1776 x 2553 nigney shipwreck . net Source: Odyssey Marine Exploration Case 8:07-cv-00614-SCB-MAP Document 25-2 Filed 08/07/2007 Page 30 of 52 Odyssey Provides Black Swan Shipwreck Information Update Tampa Swan intense international media coverage has led to many questions that the Company would like to address. 2007- Since the announcemeot by Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. FL - May Black (AMEX:OMR) of the recovery of over 500 000 coins from the shipwreck code-named In addition to the following Questions and answers additional Information on the shipwreck can Black Swan be accessed In the Question and Answer " section of Odyssey s website at shipwreck. net, or a copy may be obtained by contacting the Company. What is the Company s position on this? 1. It has been widely reported that this shipwreck could be worth up to $500 millon. other than to estimate The Company has not estimated the total potential value of the shipwreck on a preliminary basis a wide range of potential retail prices based on the coins that have been conserved to date. What we know we have recovered over 500, 000 silver coins weighing over 17 tons along with some gold coins and other artifacts. After conservation of the first 6, 000 colns we requested that a numismatIst and one of the world' s most experienced coin morketers, Nick Bruyer inspect the coins and provide an opinion of the retail pricing that we could expect from the collection. 15 that Based on Mr. Bruyer s opinion, Odyssey reported that we expected the retail pricing of the silver coins to range from several hundred to four thousand dollars per coin. This wIde range of prices would depend on the condltlon origin and date of the Individual coins. We understand that in a separate Interview with a reporter, Mr. Bruyer provided his opinion that the mean retail prlce of the coins could be approximately $1, 000 based on the small sample of coins that he inspected. This was reported as a potential $500 millon retal! value for the coins, which explains where that figure origInated. Odyssey s position is that until all the coins are conserved documented and graded it is impossible to know what the entire collection would bring at retaIJ, Based on the coins that have been conserved to date and that he has been able to inspect , we are comfortable with Mr. Black Swan will bring from several hundred to four Bruyer s opinion that coins from the thousand dollars per coin retail. These are estimates that could change significantly when the rest of the coins are conserved and do not include the cost of marketing and sales so actual revenue to Odyssey would be much lower than retail sales prIces. For more Information on the marketing and pricing of coins Black Swan see questions 2 , 8 and 12 in the Q ond A" 2. There have been reports that the including HMS Sussex and the Merchant Royal. Black Swan is a number of different shipwrecks Are any of these reports correct? Black Swan was not Beyond that We can confirm that the Sussex and that the Black Swan is not HMS found in waters anywhere near the shfpwreck believed to be HMS Sussex. an area In which a number of Colonial-era Shipwrecks were believed to be lost. The cannot confirm the identity of the shipwreck because we are not certaIn ourselves. The site is Black Swan but some of the evidence gathered to date bears characteristics of one shipwreck In partlcuIar inconsistent with our research, so we want to be sure of the identity before we announce it. 3. It has been reported that the Spanish Government is engaging in a " probe Odyssey because it is " suspicious "

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