September 11 2024 marked 36 years since Thompson struck gold on that remarkable day back in 1988. While typically federal law dictates defendants on contempt charges should serve no longer than 18 months, there are examples of others who have been incarcerated for much longer periods.

Ultimately, judges released those individuals after realising they were not going to change their minds – and the same could happen for Thompson. Both the judge and federal prosecutor in the case have indicated it may be time to lift the contempt order and allow Thompson to serve his original two-year sentence, according to Colombus Monthly.

Intriguingly, a National Geographic documentary detailing Tommy's rise and fall was released in 2024; Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Arctic Discoverer: tour the abandoned Florida ship that salvaged $50m in gold