Spanish Treasure Fleet Of 1715
An interesting account on treasure fleets is that of the 12 or 13 ship Spanish fleet calamity of 1715. The reported loss of this venture was 14 million pesos plus an equal to or larger amount in contraband and a1000 or more lives. It was a fleet of great proportions which was over loaded and unfortunately caught in a hurricane off the coast of Florida. The main fleet, Nueva Espana, was off to Veracruz to deliver mercury, sell merchandise and pick up Mexican minted bars and cobs.
On July 24, 1715 the overloaded ships were traveling in hurricane season which led to a misfortune of events. Some ships broke apart in the shallow waters while others sank in deep waters and their precious cargo lost for a few hundred years. The Spaniards were able to recover half of this vast treasure lost at sea the other half was claimed by the deep.
Modern recovery of the treasure left behind began is 1960, after Kip Wagner found a coin on the beach after a hurricane. He became interested in finding out where it came from and with an army-surplus metal detector and a 1780 chart he was on his way. He located the Spanish camp and dug up coins and other artifacts. It pay to take your metal detectors and your metal detector headphones to the beach you never know what you might find.
Until next time friends, keep your eye on the treasure and a metal detector in hand! Visit us today for a chance to explore for your next metal detector, metal detector headphones and accessories.
