Their initial efforts involved listening with Mars Odyssey, an American craft already in orbit, and with various Earth-bound radio telescopes.

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But this conclusion, even if reached by way of an impeccable philosophy, is in danger of leaving the average Joe, not to mention the average General Carter Ham, Odyssey Dawn's American commander, scratching his head in puzzlement.

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In the spring of 2007 Odyssey Marine Exploration, an American-deep-sea treasure hunting company based in Tampa, recovered 594, 000 silver coins from a Spanish shipwreck.

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Ms de Cabo said Spanish authorities are still trying to convince a US judge that the American company that found the wreck, Florida-based Odyssey Marine Exploration, should also pay Spain's legal costs.

BBC: Spain reveals shipwreck treasure