VB Why it is called the Treasure Coast.(long)

[madcoco]

For those of you who have visited the VB Resort, you probably have noticed the shipwreck theme that is part of the Resort. This area is rich with history as the stretch of land from just to the north of the resort (Sebastian Inlet) to just south of Ft Pierce Fl. is where a whole fleet of silver and gold laden Spanish ships and many of the ships' crew met a horrible fate in a vicious hurricane in July 1715. There are a number of other wrecks as well in the area. The Green Cabin Room at the Resort gets its name from a cabin that was located at the beach adjacent to where the Green Cabin Wreck was found (1618 San Martin of the Honduran fleet). Sport Divers can dive the wrecks but you cannot touch anything or take a metal detector into the water. The whole area is protected. However you will see people out with metal detectors on the beach. The Beach is finder’s keepers and there have been many significant finds over the years under beach sand in the area.

What most people do not know is that treasure is still being found today. One of the most exciting finds in years happened on Sunday when one of the subcontracting boats divers came to the surface with an intact 22K ornate gold box. This was in approximately 12 ft of water just north of the VB Resort near the McLarty 1715Fleet Survivor's Camp museum. After carefully chipping away encrustation, the box was opened at the Mel Fisher Treasure museum lab and it is very hard to describe the moment as the lid was removed. Inside was a 5ft gold chain with a golden cross embedded with seven large emeralds, as well as two very unique emerald rings. There is quite a buzz going on in the area. If you are heading to the VB Resort in the next few weeks, the items will be on display at the Fisher museum. The Fisher and McLarty museums are worthwhile trips if you are looking for something different to do while staying at the Resort.

 

[PamOKW]

Wow! That must have been exciting to see happen. Thar's gold in them there waters!!!

Thanks for sharing the story. I found this article in the Vero Press Journal but no picture.

Treasure Discovery

 

[PamOKW]

Found some pictures and more info on the Mel Fisher site.


Mel Fisher

 

[laceemouse]

Thanks for the interesting info! We hope to make it down there someday. My eight yr. old son Grant talks all the time about getting a metal detector for our beach trips and "striking it rich!" Up here in Illinois he has decided that he will just have to make his fortune with a lemonade stand or by selling his rock collection!! LOL We would love to visit those museums.

 

[madcoco]

Thanks Pam. the last time I checked our website, they were not posted yet. Didn't think they would be up until tomorrow. Well it's tomorrow now I guess.

laceemouse You're welcome.

 

[Beth]

Wow, Mike - that's awesome!

Are you there, now? If so, have you gotten to go in and see it?

Guess this really makes up for the slump they've been going through...

Do you know any of the guys that found it?

We don't have any reservations for Vero for the rest of the year - but I may have to change that...

 

[Cinderelli]

Thanks for sharing this. We leave for Vero on Sunday. I think my children will have fun with their metal detector. I wouldn't have remembered to bring it if you hadn't posted. Thanks again!