Divers have successfully recovered more than $1 million worth of gold and silver coins from the 1715 Treasure Fleet, a fleet of Spanish ships that sank over 300 years ago off the coast of Florida. The 1715 Treasure Fleet was carrying an estimated $400 million in gold, silver, and jewels when it was devastated by a hurricane shortly after departing Havana, Cuba.
Historic Significance of the 1715 Treasure Fleet
On July 24, 1715, the Spanish fleet set sail with a cargo valued at fourteen million pesos, transporting precious metals and jewels from New Spain to Spain. Just one week into the voyage, near present-day Vero Beach, Florida, a hurricane struck, sinking eleven of the twelve ships and causing the loss of approximately 700 lives. The wreckage was scattered over a 40-mile stretch along Florida’s east coast, now known as the Treasure Coast.
The fleet’s treasure remained hidden underwater for nearly 250 years, with only occasional discoveries of coins washing ashore. Interest in salvaging the wrecks increased in the 1960s, and since then, divers and treasure hunters have continued to recover artifacts and coins from the site.
Recent Recovery Efforts and Discoveries
The latest recovery involved expert divers who explored the treacherous waters where the fleet sank. Their efforts uncovered gold and silver coins valued at over $1 million, adding to the historical and monetary significance of the 1715 shipwrecks. These coins serve as tangible links to the past, offering insights into maritime history, colonial trade, and the perils of sea voyages during the early 18th century.
The ongoing exploration of the 1715 Treasure Fleet continues to captivate historians, collectors, and enthusiasts, highlighting the enduring allure of sunken treasure and the stories these artifacts tell about a bygone era.