Join Atocha Spanish galleon treasure search off Florida Keys

On 01/05/2009
In Treasure Hunting / Recoveries
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From Underwater Times

For the first time, adventure-hungry certified divers can work alongside professional treasure salvage experts excavating the wrecksite of the , one of the most significant shipwreck discoveries of the 20th century.

The weeklong Atocha Dive Adventure includes training in commercial treasure salvage techniques, behind-the-scenes tours of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and laboratories where Atocha artifacts are conserved and two full days of diving the site alongside salvage experts seeking the galleon’s sterncastle. The first adventure is scheduled Monday through Sunday, June 8-14.

Approximately $400 million of the Atocha’s treasure and a significant portion of the vessel’s structure were discovered in 1985 by the late shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher, submerged in approximately 55 feet of water 35 miles southwest of Key West.

Crews led by Fisher’s family continue to search for the ship’s sterncastle and the gold and silver bars and coins that are listed on the Atocha’s manifest but remain undiscovered.