Cocos Island Keeps Many Secrets The Lost Treasure

by Howler Staff

Photos: public domain

Tales of pirates and treasures have tickled the imaginations of millions. There’s something magical about the concept of brave and bold renegade pirates, driven by fortune and fame, setting out to capture, plunder and hide their bounty for future storytellers to fathom.

Thanks to popular musician Darin Talbot and the Pura Vida Show in Playa Flamingo, renewed interest in the mysterious legend of Isla del Coco — aka Cocos Island — has been inspired by his retelling of buried treasure quests. The show features a characterization of the pirate “Bloody Sword Benito.”

Many a tale has been told of this depicted scenario, focused on the belief that millions of dollars of treasure were seized and buried on the tiny island. Located 550 kilometers southwest of Costa Rica, it’s been part of the country since 1821, coinciding with the nation’s independence.

Which of these stories is legend, myth or real? The mystery continues today.

Robert Louis Stevenson's literary classic "Treasure Island" rocketed Cocos Island to fame. Author Michael Crichton was so enchanted by the island that it became the model for his famed "Jurassic Park" — Isla Nublar.

Lost 200 years ago

Though not originally a pirate stash, the colossal Treasure of Lima fell into pirate hands and has not been seen since. The Viceroy of Lima, Peru — on the edge of revolt in 1820 — sought to have the riches removed and transported to Mexico for safekeeping. British Captain William Thompson was entrusted to carry out this mission aboard his vessel, the Mary Dear.

Instead, Thompson and his crew yielded to temptation in a savage conversion to piracy. They cut the throats of the guards and companion priests before snatching the treasure for themselves and hiding it on Cocos Island. Before having a chance to go back and divvy up their shares, Thompson and his crew were captured by the Spanish. Reportedly all were tried and executed for piracy except Thompson and his first mate, Alexander Forbes. Their lives were spared in return for agreeing to lead their captors to the Cocos Island treasure site. But once on the island, the pair escaped and were never recaptured or seen again.

Or was that really their last sighting? Did Thompson and Forbes ever leave the island? It’s been rumored that they departed aboard a British whaling ship. Thompson landed in Newfoundland, while Forbes ultimately found business success in California.