> "The ineffable truth of this case is that the Mercedes is a naval vessel of Spain and that the wreck of this naval vessel, the vessel's cargo, and any human remains are the natural and legal patrimony of Spain."
Legal opinion seems to be fairly solid on this point. Perhaps the lesson instead should be to not pillage national warships.
Virginia has a finders keepers law per the article.
I hear that money has a connection to crime. Time for a civil asset forfeiture.