About Atocha Peices of Eight Shipwreck Treasure
Click here for Certificate of Authenticity, Treasure Map and Wreck Story |
Coin chests and silver ingots were stored in the bottom for stability. Piles of stones with olive jars and other cargo on top were used to fill in the hull. |
Early 1700's the elevating barrel with wooden trunk carriage was the typical cannon used on ocean vessels |
The Treasure Galleon Atocha tragically ended her voyage on a reef off the Florida Keys on September 6, 1622, taking with her 264 souls many of whom were of royal blood. She scattered over 47 troy tons of treasure over 50 miles of ocean bottom. There were only 5 people to survive the wreck.
Ironically, Mel Fisher was born almost 300 years to the day that the Atocha went down. His obsession for the Atocha treasure has lasted over 20 years. During this time Mel found himself selling off other treasures that he had found, trying all the time to get people to invest in his dream - fighting off bill collectors, power and utilities cutoffs. He could not even pay his own divers at times. Mel was forever going to court to keep other salvage companies away from the wreck area.
The biggest tragedy was the death of Mel's son, Dirk, Dirk's wife and another crew member. This happened when his salvage boat "The Northwind" sank over the wreck site on July 20, 1975.
Mel Fisher continued on his search despite all the financial problems, and death of family and friends. He ended up finding the mother lode. Now you can own a piece of history by owning a piece of the Atocha for your very own.
"Today's the Day"
To own a piece of history
with permission from S.T.
