Captain Kidd was executed in 1701 for piracy after returning from a voyage to the Indian Ocean. Legend had it that Kidd hid much of his loot, which has prompted numerous treasure hunts around the world and inspired Robert Louis Stevenson when he wrote Treasure Island.

What is now suspected to be part of that treasure has been discovered deep underwater in Madagascar. A 50 kg silver bar, which is now being guarded by soldiers, was brought to shore at Sainte Marie island by divers after they made the amazing discovery, which is thought to have been left behind after a shipwreck in the 17th century.

Madagascar's president and UK and US diplomats received the suspected treasure at a ceremony on the island, the BBC reports.