When the storm hit on April 26, 1717, the Whydah (WID-uh) was under the command of Capt. Samuel Bellamy, a former British sailor. Bellamy, known as Black Sam, and his crew had looted more than 50 ships. Much of the loot—gold, silver, ivory, and jewelry—was stored on the Whydah.

The powerful storm was too much for the crew. The Whydah ran into a sandbar off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. When a huge wave crashed over the ship, the mainmast snapped and the ship began to roll, its heavy cannons crashing through the decks. Breaking in half, the ship sank.

The pilot swam to shore, one of two men who survived. Meanwhile, the pirates’ treasures dropped to the ocean bottom.

Since that night people on Cape Cod have wondered where the treasures lay. Find out.