Jul 19 2010
Treasure hunters off the coast of Indian River County strike gold once again
Indian River County, FL – More treasure has been found from the 18th century Spanish fleet that sank in hundreds of years ago. The boat crew working with the Queens jewels of Jupiter Island found 22 gold Spanish coins and a small cannon from 300 years ago between Wabasso and Vero Beach. These coins are said to be worth $8,000 adding up to $176,000 for all 22 coins, said Brent Brisben, co-founder of Queen’s Jewels.
“It’s called the Treasure Coast for a reason,” Brisben said. “It was a sight to see these guys so excited. It’s one of the best days you can have.”
Queen’s Jewels have teamed with Capt. Greg Bounds of Fellsmere to explore the wreckage area of an 18th century Spanish fleet. Brisben’s company acquired the salvage rights to the sunken ships from the heirs of world-famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher. They have been named federal custodians to the 300-mile wreckage area, he said.
As said before on this blog, this treasure is from a wreck in 1715 when a 11-ship fleet set sail from Cuba laden with gold bars, coins, diamonds, emeralds and pearls bound for King Philip V of Spain. The bounty included the dowry for Phillip’s new bride, Elisabeth, who refused to consummate their marriage until she received it.
There is plenty more to be found, and these treasure hunters hope to retrieve most of it. This news story is in reference to the TCPalm article.
