WikiLeaks Attack Odyssey Marine (OMEX)

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. OMEX a pioneer in the field of deep ocean exploration, was named in several U.S. State Department cables obtained by WikiLeaks and furnished to the media worldwide, according to a GlobeNewswire article today. Some of the released cables indicate that the State Department offered special assistance in the “Black Swan" case to Spanish officials in exchange for assistance in acquiring a French painting confiscated by the Nazis during World War II and now controlled by Spain. The cables indicate that the U.S. Government also provided confidential documentation on Odyssey to Spain. Other State Department cables contradict Spain's claims and support Odyssey's previously stated version of events relating to the company's activities in Spain, including the HMS Sussex project and the boarding of Odyssey's vessels. "While we are obviously concerned about these implications regarding the “Black Swan" case, we are attempting to obtain additional information before taking any specific actions. I have personally sent a letter to the Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, requesting additional information and a review of the position taken by the U.S. in the 'Black Swan' legal case," stated Greg Stemm, Odyssey CEO. "The possibility that someone in the U.S. Government came up with this perfidious offer to sacrifice Odyssey, its thousands of shareholders, and the many jobs created by the company in exchange for the return of one painting to one individual is hard to believe. The WikiLeaks cables clearly show that we have worked cooperatively and transparently with both Spain and the State Department for many years, in spite of claims to the contrary. That fact makes the revelations all the more disappointing. The cables also make us wonder what other agreements may have taken place between U.S. Government officials and Spain regarding the amicus brief filed in support of Spain's position in the 'Black Swan' case." OMEX at last check was $2.33 this afternoon, as WikiLeaks continue to emerge. Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. is engaged in archaeologically sensitive exploration and recovery of shipwrecks worldwide. It employs advanced technology, including side-scan sonar, magnetometers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and other advanced technology that enables the Company to locate and recover shipwrecks. It's wholly owned subsidiaries include Odyssey Marine, Inc., Odyssey Marine Services, Inc., OVH, Inc., Odyssey Retriever, Inc. and Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc. In November 2009, Odyssey acquired a 25% interest in SMM Project LLC.