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Emiliano Ruprah (L) and Justin Fornal (R)

Emiliano Ruprah (L) and Justin Fornal (R)

UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPLORED: Investigating the Legend of California's Gold-Laden Ghost Ship

By: Discovery

International mysteries, vintage maps, hidden treasure… Explorers Justin and Emiliano are on the case.

October 11, 2019

Did the Maya Empire relocate to America? How did Merriweather Lewis really die? Where did the Ark of the Covenant end up after being smuggled out of Jerusalem? Explorers Justin Fornal and Emiliano Ruprah use historical maps as well as modern imaging techniques to examine these mysteries in UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPLORED, premiering Sunday, Nov. 10 at 10 pm ET only on Science Channel.


Though no one map holds the whole picture of these mysteries, Justin and Emiliano cross-reference the information held within them, spurring the pair to launch new, in-depth investigations. Expert researchers and laser mapping tools help locate the mythical outposts detailed in these maps and unravel the mysteries behind their disappearances.

UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPLORED First Look 13 Photos

International mysteries, vintage maps, hidden treasure… Explorers Justin and Emiliano are on the case. Watch the series premiere of UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPLORED Sunday, Nov. 10 at 10p ET only on Science Channel and on SCIgo.


The premiere episode attempts to solve the legend of California’s Ghost Ship. In the late 1800s, local newspapers began reporting on a mysterious phenomenon in which dozens of witnesses claimed to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a massive wooden ship rising from the desert, more than a hundred miles from the nearest body of water. Ever since, legend has it that there it may be a 16th century English ship, loaded with gold, silver, and jewels concealed in the desert sand.

The duo also investigates whether the Knights Templar secretly brought their treasure to the New World a century before Columbus’ voyage to America. They will also look into clues left behind by the Ancient Egyptians that may lead to the location of the legendary land of Punt — so revered by the pharaohs, it was known as the “Land of the Gods.”

Justin Fornal is an international explorer and cultural detective. In June of 2018, he was listed on the ‘Most Adventurous People in the World Right Now’ by Men’s Journal. Justin specializes in investigating indigenous traditions and historical mysteries around the world. In 2016, he tracked down the lost skull of African American slave rebellion leader, Nat Turner and repatriated it to the Turner descendants.

Emiliano Ruprah is a Mexican-American explorer, writer, photographer, and adventure filmmaker. He has worked in conflict zones, some of the world's most far-flung and pristine wilderness areas, and among some of the planet's hardest to reach tribes.

Don't miss the series premiere of UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPLORED Sunday, Nov. 10 at 10 pm ET only on Science Channel and anytime on Science GO.

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