Sir Francis Drake Discovery Claim In Panama

An American treasure hunter claims to have discovered ships belonging to Sir Francis Drake off the coast of Panama.

Pat Croce, a salvager and owner of a pirate museum in America, believes he has discovered two ships belonging to famous sailor and adventurer Sir Francis Drake .

A team of divers discovered the remains of two 16th century ships which had lain undiscovered for 400 years in Portobelo Bay.

Croce now hopes his team will find the body of Drake, who was buried at sea in his suit of armour and in a lead coffin.

The two ships, believed to be the Elizabeth and Delight, were apparently sunk by their crews to prevent them getting in the hands of the Spanish enemy after Drake died.

Speaking from his St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum in Florida Mr Croce said the discovery would be a "dream come true".