The Namibian government is taking over the responsibility for the excavation of the 500-year old shipwreck diamond hunters found in the Atlantic, off the Namibia, African coast.

Last month geologists hunting for diamonds instead discovered a several hundred year old shipwreck filled with silver and gold coins, copper ingots, cannons and other valuable artifacts.

The Namdeb Diamond Corporation, a joint venture of the government of Namibia and the mining company De Beers, made the discovery during mining operations and had kept the find a secret until April 30.

Since the beginning, they have secured the site and artifacts.

Namdeb spokesman Hilifa Mbako confirmed three government Ministers flew to inspect the site late last week. In a written statement, one the Ministers, Errki Nghimtina of Mines and Energy, thanked Namdeb

"for all the phenomenal work they have done in protecting the site where the wreck was found and providing security for the artifacts."

He went on to say:

"there will be no further information or media comments on this matter - until further notice."

The silence should provide the government time to assess the situation and plan future direction.

A source for further information is "the namibian" article written by John Grobler titled, Govt takes over ancient shipwreck.