http://www.melfisher.com Mel Fisher found the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 450 million dollars in Spanish Silver Coins, Gold Doubloons, Silver Bars, and other historic artifacts were located in the mother lode of these Spanish galleons which sank over 350 years ago. en-us Copyright (c) 2007 www.MelFisher.com. All rights reserved. Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:07:16 EST 5 http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:06:53 EST Mel Fisher's Treasures recently visited the Horace O'Bryant Middle School in Key West Florida. Miss Smith's 7th grade history class learned about a piece of their local history and about the sunken Spanish Galleon, the Atocha. The kids were able to hold 400 year old gold bars and money chains off of the wreck. It was nice to see that the history of the Atocha, beginning in Spain and ending off the coast of Key West, kept their attention. But then again who isn't interested in sunken treasures? Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:02:47 EST This year was our first year at the Miami Boat Show. If any of you have been there you know exactly what that means, it is HUGE! Grant Roland, Sean Fisher and Bill Lorraine manned the standing positions at the booth. Joe Beaton, broken foot and all, made it to the show as well. All four of the guys began the trade show week with a 3 hour road trip where the got to spend quality time with each other and with the tradeshow equipment that was packed in tightly around them. There isn't a bad booth in the house at the Miami Beach Convention Center and even though we were on the second floor we had a constant flow of visitors including a few familiar faces. Grant, Sean, Bill and Joe were able to let trade show attendees hold pieces of sunken treasure from over 400 years ago and tell the story of Mel Fisher and the Atocha. No matter how many times you tell that story it still brings a sense of excitement, especially when you see somebody's eyes light up and get bigger at the thought of a sunken Spanish Galleon. We've included some pictures from the show so you can get a feeling of what it was like to be there. We'll be attending again next year so stop by and visit us! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:57:09 EST Ordinarily the Magruder crew bunks are below sea level. Right now the deck of the Magruder is 30 feet off the ground and the crew is enjoying an on-land penthouse suite. That's where the fun stops though. If you see the Magruder these days you'll first come across a large 4-foot hole in the front of the boat waiting to be filled. Captain Andy jokes "it's great for ventilation inside the hull." After you get past that you find a very hard working, dirty crew with their Captain working along side them. The guys will greet you with a smile though because they know that to keep the hunt going, the work has to be done and they're not the type to complain about it. When I visited the Magruder in the boatyard Captain Andy praised his crew for keeping their spirits up. He said, "This stuff is no fun" as he motioned toward the clothes he was wearing that were dirty from grinding and painting; "but it makes a big difference when you have guys like these working with you, and a lot more enjoyable too." A few months prior to pulling the boat out of the water Captain Andy went to his crew and proposed the idea of getting all the work they could get done above the water line so they could save time in the boatyard. He was surprised they were so willing to do the extra work ahead of time and according to Andy they kept up their enthusiasm throughout the entire process and saved more than 6 weeks in the boatyard. As we walked around the boat he showed me all of the holes they had found while tapping the steel looking for weak points. He told me that, "we didn't do work down inside the different compartments of the boat while we were still in the water because we knew we'd find some below the waterline, and we have." Needless to say with all of the weak points in the steel alone, the Magruder was in desperate need of this trip to the boatyard. All of the hard work the crewmembers (remember, they're not just divers) are putting in will significantly extend the life of the vessel and allow it to be part of history when we find the Sterncastle! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:54:54 EST In 1994, Denis Trelewicz and Chuck Hayes, volunteers for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, found this cannon, along with similar guns and related artifacts, in the waters off Key Largo, FL. They mapped and photographed the site, apparently untouched for over 250 years. Trelewicz searched historical records to find out how the cannons came to be there. After his research indicated that the site had historical significance, the sanctuary recovered one cannon for futher study. Without conservation treatments, the cannon would corrode after being exposed to the air. Over the next two years, the gun was cleaned and conserved by Mel Fisher's Motivation, Inc. laboratory in Key West, FL. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:53:43 EST The DEMA Show was quite a success this year and after a week of hard work at the trade show the Fisher family and staff hosted a cocktail party at our store in the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. Everyone enjoyed Key West themed hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment from a singer/guitarist who was happy to take song requests! Two authentic Atocha coins were given away to lucky recipients who entered into our drawing. It's always a good time when the Fisher family gets together to eat, drink, laugh and talk treasure! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:45:45 EST The week of September 18 our investors had the unique opportunity to go out to the "Emerald City" site and work alongside the J.B. Magruder crew sifting for coveted Atocha emeralds. As one diver operated the airlift, investors and other crewmembers on deck sifted through all of the sediment and water that was pulled to the surface via airlift. These die-hard treasure hunters kept a sharp eye out for the emeralds that are unnaturally green compared to the other material that moved through the trays. Their vigilance paid off as a total of 40 emeralds were recovered during the week of panning, each just as exciting as the first. It's hard to explain what it feels like to actually find a piece of treasure that nobody else has seen in nearly 400 years so if you haven't had the opportunity yet, come down for a visit and find your own piece of Atocha history! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:43:59 EST On September 28th, current investors Gene Marek and Glenna Poland Marek generously donated an Atocha Arquebus Barrel to the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society. The barrel, recovered in 1975, was presented to Madeline Burnside, the society's director. The arquebus is a smooth bore, match lit firearm consisting of a metal barrel resting on a wooden stock with a brass serpentine to the right. Several of the arquebuses recovered from the 1622 Fleet exhibit expert craftsmanship and design. The hexagonal sides remain clearly defined and the mark of the gunsmith is visible at the butt of the weapon. These constituted a small portion of the arms on board, all belonging to the senior ranking members of the fleet. A far greater majority of the arquebuses recovered exhibit slack design with rounded out barrels and varying sizes; thus having much less precision when aiming. The regular soldiers/sailors on board carried these 'rough hewn' barrels. Archeologist James Sinclair will present an extensive article in the next investor newsletter. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:42:37 EST On September 27 the crew of the DARE had their first opportunity to showcase their skills and the newly refurbished vessel. Telemundo, the national Spanish television station, arrived to document our salvage operation at sea. The majority of the crew on the DARE is Hispanic and the interviews done by Natalia, the Telemundo correspondent, were conducted entirely in Spanish. Mel Fisher's Treasures is thrilled to have our story reach a new audience. Thank you Natalia, JohnPaul and Frank for all of your hard work. The piece will air October 29th, on the program Nitido on Telemundo Network. See how much of the Atocha story and our operation you can figure out when it is told en Espanol! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:41:07 EST Comcast, the Florida Key's tourist information channel, spent the day on the JB Magruder with Kim and Sean Fisher. On their trip they interviewed Kim and Sean as well as members of the Magruder crew. They brought some luck along with them as each hole had a ballast stone in it--two more clues on our way to the sterncastle! Vince Ray, our Comcast representative, was extremely passionate about working with us. Sadly, Vince passed away in his sleep a week before the scheduled trip to the Atocha site. His colleagues Eddie Goldstein, Rob McCall and Peter Mychalcewyvz took over the project and will see it through to production to honor their friend and coworker. The 2 minute piece complete with underwater treasure hunting videography as well as the usual glitter of gold and silver, will air after Labor Day 15 times a day on Comcast Channel 5. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:39:30 EST In addition to finding 10 more silver coins, 21 musket balls and a skeleton key, the JB Magruder's last trip to the 'Bank of Spain' resulted in a very interesting new find; what appears to be a gold wash religious artifact. Although it is difficult to know the exact history of this amazing artifact, it is certainly a unique new find that is attracting a lot of attention here in the lab. There is much to learn about this artifact in the upcoming weeks of conservation and we will share what we find out here on the recent finds page. Check back often. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:37:40 EST The Crew of the Blue Water Rose recovered their first gold from the Margarita site. Showing they are quick learners with a keen eye for treasure hunting, the guys brought up a small gold flake followed shortly thereafter by a gold floweret with raised filigree design, both recovered by Diver Chris Rackley. The ornate gold floweret was likely a part of a rosary. Congratulations to Blue Water Ventures and the crew of Blue Water Rose! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:36:13 EST The JB Magruder has really been doing a great job this summer and the guys are finding a wonderful varitey of artifacts. They came in with 17 silver coins from their most recent trip. The crew also also recovered 2 cannonballs and an iron projectile from the same general area they receovered the 52 musket balls last trip. We have only recovered 3 of these iron projectiles, or bar shot, this century: August 2000, June 2001, August 2002. These are amazing pieces of weaponry, mainly used to break the mast of an encroaching pirate ship. These bars are on average 2 feet long with pointed ends upon which the artillery men would jam a wooden cannonball of sorts, when it was fired out of the cannon the wood would catch on fire and the bar would pivot through the air. Looks like the guys are honing in on a portion of the weapons storage area of the ship. Perhaps next trip we'll have a bronze cannon to ogle over, or some gold bars that were being smuggled back to Spain. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:34:58 EST The activity on the Margarita site is really heating up. The "Blue Water Rose" came in last week with about eight large buckets filled with artifacts from the site. Along with the many pottery shards and iron spikes they also brought in a round padlock and some very unique pottery. They are currently searching an area north of the main site where they had started a magnetometer survey last year. As they are working through the list of mag hits, they are finding quite a few Margarita artifacts in this area. The density of the artifacts in this area leads us to believe that a large section of the ship went through this spot. Within the next week or two, the "Blue Water Ventures" guys plan on taking their new survey vessel out to continue the mag survey from last year. They've purchased a brand new Geometrics 882 magnetometer and we're going to be giving them a bit of training with this new unit to get them started in the right direction. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Wed, 11 Oct 2006 08:32:46 EST The ceramic item recently recovered from the Margarita site is a fragment of a vessel crafted form Bizocho style pottery. Bizcocho is identified by its creamy or off white color. This type of ceramic exhibits a smooth surface and traditionally has detailed design either molded or carved into the clay. Several examples of Bizcocho have been recovered from the 1622 Fleet, the most striking, on display at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society demonstrates a Spanish conquistador-and this is only a small portion of a larger vessel. This particular piece, recovered by the salvage vessel Blue Water Rose, has a finely crafted fuana motif. The artifact is thin walled, as typical of this form. The fragment recovered indicates a rounded vessel reminiscent of an olive jar design, perhaps a small vase or jug. Further information will be gained if other sections of the vessel are recovered along the trail. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:26:44 EST At the request of concerned residents, Monroe County school officials are contemplating installing Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in all school facilities. Taffi Fisher-Abt's presentation to the school board in May 2006 about the necessity of these life-saving devices in the wake of her own son's death a few months prior, persuaded them to act. In July 2006, at the kickoff parade for Mel Fisher Days, Taffi and huband Michael Abt presented the first of these AED's to a very appreciative Monroe County School Superintendent, Randy Acevedo. AED's in all schools and personnel trained to use them provide the ability to save children's lives in emergency situations. The County has taken a giant step forward in providing a safe learning environment for its students. Taffi Fisher Abt and her husband Michael Abt, in honor of their son Michael, created The Michael Christopher Abt Jr., Have a Heart Foundation, which raises money to make Automated External Defibrillators available in all Florida schools. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:53:21 EST On Monday, July 31st , the former Governor of Florida, Bob Martinez, visited the Mel Fisher Treasure's offices and Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. His wife, Mary Jane, and 4 grandchildren: Emily and Lydia Keen, as well as Alex and Christine Martinez accompanied him. As the first Hispanic governor of Florida he was very proactive in environmental and land conservation. Bob and his family received the VIP tour of our conservation lab and Kim Fisher showed them many impressive gold pieces including the money chain and a gold disc. We enjoyed their visit and had fun showing them our story and giving them gold-fever! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:52:24 EST Just wanted you to know about our "southernmost" Mel Fisher Days party that Jeff threw here in Bocas del Toro at our favorite bar, 'Boca Bills'. Amazingly enough there are quite a few folks from the keys down here right now. And many of them had something to do with Mel; many of them "back in the day". Folks like Randy (R.S.) Stuprich, treasure hunter Billy Algoe who was hunting back when Mel first started in the 60's, and a man named Fred Ruelson who told us he gave Mel 6 silver bars when he needed money for his fight against the State of Florida. Some other Key Westers who were there were Ray Jason, former captain of the "Stars and Stripes" for Don Kincaid until he sailed down here a few months ago, Broker Bill Bohmfalk and Sharon (you know, Broker Bill of the P.T. boat fame), Doug and Deb Meeker who own Babalu's restaurant on Big Coppitt, and Jimmy and Jeanne Sadler who used to work at Peninsular Marina, Stock Island, where they lived on their boat. So a great time was had by all, drinking lots of rum and coke in Mel's honor! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNews.asp Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:51:00 EST Deo Fisher made a trip down to the office in Key West on Monday to meet the new generation of people who are helping to keep Mel Fisher's dream alive. She also had a chance to visit with some long-time friends and spend some quality time with her fun-loving family. Everyone met in the Emerald Room for bagels, donuts and a few stories Deo shared from the good old days. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Fri, 7 Jul 2006 15:45:58 EST I just spoke with Captain Andy from the Magruder. He told me that they found a Gold button and eight coins on their last trip out. They are also consistently finding random artifacts. Diver Bill Burt found the small gold button/dress mount on June 30, 2006. They were working not far from the bishop's cross recovered in 1985 up the trail in the quicksands. Spirits are up and it is only a matter of time before they find the "Stern Castle". Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/SeanJailed_0606.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/SeanJailed_0606.asp Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:19:04 EST What kind of birds don't fly? Jailbirds! Sean Fisher went to jail for Jerry's Kids. He was met in Mel Fisher's Treasures store by a member of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department who quickly apprehended him and led him off to a temporary jail at the Conch Farm. His stay ended, after a number of generous friends and family of Mel Fisher's Treasures raised $2000 dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and to "bail him out". Thanks to all who donated, your kind contributions will touch the lives of a many children who suffer with Muscular Dystrophy! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/Travel_0606.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/Travel_0606.asp Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:16:52 EST The Travel Channel was here in Key West to film footage for a sequel to their Find Cash and Treasures Show. They had a great time out at sea diving and filming interviews with Kim Fisher, Gary Randolph, Andy Matroci and Sean Fisher. Becky, their correspondent, even found a coin that Kim let her keep! This piece will focus heavily on our investors. Frank Holden, Gene and Glenna Marek and Shawn, Lynn, Parker and Sawyer Redding brought in some of their treasure to show off and were interviewed by the Travel Channel crew. The new edition of Find Cash and Treasures will air in the first quarter of 2007 and should be great, just like the first one! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/Dateline_0506.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/Dateline_0506.asp Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:15:29 EST Dateline NBC spent a few days out at sea with the crew of the Magruder and also spent a lot of time talking with Captain Andy Matroci. They were fortunate enough to find a coin while the film crews were diving and caught it all on camera! The piece was originally scheduled to air on June 18, 2006 but will likely not air until a later date. We will keep you posted and pass along any information when we receive it! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:13:25 EST Investors diving from the J.B. Magruder found 11 emeralds during division week, 8 - 12 May, 2006. This is surely an experience they will not soon forget. Joining the ranks of "Treasure Finders" are investors Scott Hays, CJ Rhoades, Deborah Phillips, Margaret Freeburg, Ken Cherry, Brenda Ayers, Bill Peterson, and Debbie Matejewski. Congratulations!! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/LenoCrew_0406.asp http://www.melfisher.com/Library/InTheNewsFullPages/LenoCrew_0406.asp Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:07:57 EST During the last week of April Mo Rocca and his crew were in town filming the most ridiculous sequence of interviews we have ever been involved in. They went out diving on the Atocha site and came equipped with masks that allowed them to talk and conduct interviews underwater. Sponge Bob Squarepants even made an appearance. This piece will be airing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on July 13, 2006. It includes a lot of hilarious, off the wall questioning and we are all very anxious to see how the final product is put together! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/SilverCoins0406.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/SilverCoins0406.asp Mon, 26 Jun 2006 10:40:23 EST Although somewhat overshadowed by the recovery of two beautiful gold bars unaffected by the harsh undersea environment, 14 silver coins from the Atocha were also recovered by the crew of the J.B. Magruder on the 9th of April. Unlike the gold bars however, hundreds of years on the ocean floor drastically changed the appearance of the silver coins. As one of the newest members of the Mel Fisher's Treasures Team, I found myself asking many questions about the conservation process and how these black, completely encrusted little disks are cleaned up and returned to identifiable Atocha silver coins. Over the next few days, the coins will be conserved and cleaned by Mel Fisher's Conservationists, Morgan Perkins and John Corcoran. I will tag along with a camera to learn more about this process and share what I learn for all of you. Just select the link above to see for yourself. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 13:10:30 EST I just got off the phone with Captain Andy on the salvage vessel J.B. Magruder and he told me they just found two gold bars today!!! They've been working an area in the Quicksands just West of the Emerald Cross area and had found about 15 silver coins so far, then today our newest diver Kent and "Wild Bill" went down to check a hole and soon after arriving on the bottom Kent saw a 7" long gold bar laying exposed on the bedrock. It was a very solid bar nicely marked with six or seven tax stamps. He took it over to show Bill and he motioned for Kent to take it up right away to let Andy and Jeff know what they had found. Kent took it to the surface and after celebrating for a few minutes they decided to go back down and take some underwater pictures of it. Before getting in the water with his camera Jeff said, "I sure hope Bill finds one too." Well, wouldn't you know it, after Jeff and Kent had taken a few pictures Bill comes swimming over to them with another gold bar very similar to the one Kent had just found. Soon after these great finds the winds start kicking up and forced the Magruder to take shelter in the Marquesas. The forecast doesn't look good so the guys will be coming in tomorrow. What's very interesting about this find is that most; if not all of the gold bars found in this area in the past have been contraband bars with no tax stamps. It's quite possible that the guys are on to a new "stash" or chest of gold that was on board the Atocha. We're hoping they find a lot more of them in this area next trip. We'll get some photos up on the web site after the guys get back to the office. Congratulations to Captain Andy, Jeff, Bill and Kent. More to follow... Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/GalleonAnchor0805.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/GalleonAnchor0805.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 13:10:06 EST KEY WEST - Captain Gary Randolph and 1st Mate John Corcoran find a galleon anchor while magging aboard our new survey boat, The Huntress. WOW! This thing is so cool. It took several days and lots of dives to move enough sand off of it so it could be identified. The anchor was located approximately a mile South of the main pile and is pointing direcly toward it. It's amazing that after being on the ocean floor for almost 400 years that the wood that makes up the stock is still in place. What is even more amazing is that hemp rope is still attached to the ring! Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/KangHsiVase0705.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/KangHsiVase0705.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 13:09:45 EST FORT PIERCE - Diver George Biggles holds the intact Kang Hsi Vase he recovered from the Cabin wreck site in July 2005. "I've never seen one intact, lots of broken pieces but never the whole thing" said long time state field agent, turned treasure hunter, Tommy Gore. Tommy, George and Jerry Metz, are Sub-Contractors on the 1715 fleet with the Mel Fisher Center Inc. Working a vessel called the Lobster Man this crew is showing that there is more to find than just lobsters. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/GoldChain0605.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/GoldChain0605.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 13:09:18 EST KEY WEST - If there were any doubts as to whether or not the R/V Dare would muster up to her high profile job alongside our other famous treasure recovery boats, those doubts were put to rest when her Capt. Jack Jowers surfaced this week with an elaborately carved 4' gold rope chain. Capt. Jack's crew soon followed his lead and proceeded to bring up several Atocha silver coins as well. It began at 8:30 a.m. June 7th, when Jack Jowers, Captain of Fisher's newest vessel, the R/V Dare, and his crew began to examine a specific "Hot" spot the Atocha trail. Capt. Jowers had a metal detector in hand and diver Brian Buss was doing visuals. Even though the detector didn't indicate a hit, Capt. Jack Jowers eyes sure did. As they were fanning 25' feet below the surface, just before reaching the bedrock, there lay the golden link chain, sparkling, dazzling, beautiful, just waiting to be recovered and brought back to the world to again be admired and appreciated for it beauty, craftsmanship, and history. This beautiful gold chain seems to indicate even more so that our crews are inching closer and closer to the Sterncastle of the Atocha where the people of "nobility" would have their valuable possessions stashed for the long journey back to Spain. This latest find brings even more anticipation to an already inspired crew as they work their way up the Atocha trail. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/GoldEarring1004.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/GoldEarring1004.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 13:08:47 EST KEY WEST - Diver John Corcoran, of the salvage vessel JB Magruder, recovered perhaps the most intriguing artifact to surface this season. Artifact #71695 (length: 55.0 mm, weight: 7.9 g) is a gold earring consisting of 6 dangling pearls and two stones. The uppermost stone appears to be a cut ruby set in a carved shield type design with four small olive blossoms. The lower stone is suspended in an engraved teardrop. The stone is faceted and clear with a seam indicating that two halves have been sealed together, encapsulating a dark red substance that is opaque in nature and some cracking is visible within. The area that produced this unique artifact is in close proximity to the locations of a pair of gold and pearl earrings (#50358) recovered by the JB Magruder in 2001 and an emerald set in gold cloak pin (#51237) recovered by the MV Dauntless later that same year. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/TreasureCoast0804.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/TreasureCoast0804.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 13:08:21 EST FORT PIERCE - "Today's the Day!" MORE GOLD AND SILVER FOUND!! The Treasure Coast lives up to its' name yet again. A fabulous ornate gold bracelet along with many other beautifully worked silver items and other artifacts were recovered by the salvage crew of the m/v RPM captained by Kim Glaner. Kim and his father, Sterling Glaner, are spending their 10th summer together underwater searching the sands offshore of the treasure coast for lost riches. The Glaner's are working the shipwrecks which sank in a hurricane in 1715. They are working under an agreement with the Mel Fisher Center and Museum in Sebastian Florida who holds the State contracts to salvage the ships. The treasure was found on the site known as the Cabin Wreck, just south of Sebastian Inlet. The artifacts recovered there in the past have left a trail that runs nearly three miles. This site was one of the first where Roseland local, Kip Wagner, started finding coins on the beach in the early 1960s' resulting in the naming of the "Treasure Coast". The ill fated fleet of ships wrecked along our shores during a hurricane in 1715 taking with them over 700 lives. Today, the Glaner's brought their finds in to the conservation lab of the Mel Fisher Museum. The treasure trove included an ornate intact silver cross over five inches tall, four elaborate silver forks with twisted handles tipped with dancing ladies, several pieces of a large silver platter with a intricate floral design, an intact olive jar neck and a small silver box encrusted shut. Anticipation mounted as Mel Fisher Center Conservator, Bill Moore , delicately opened the silver box for the first time in 289 years. It was filled with sand. The crew was only slightly disappointed because the box was a small part of their entire find. "Today's the Day!" said Taffi Fisher Abt, daughter of the world's greatest treasure hunter Mel Fisher who started began salvage expeditions on the Treasure Coast in the early 1960's. "I give these guys a lot of credit, it is really tough work to find small artifacts in that big ocean." Twenty adventurous crews have subcontracted with the Fisher Group this summer to search for the elusive 1715 Fleet treasure this summer. The salvage season just began in late May. There are only about 100 days a year that these sites can actually be worked due to weather conditions. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/AnchorFound0704.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/AnchorFound0704.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 11:11:20 EST KEY WEST - Over the weekend, I hitched a ride with Pat Clyne for a trip out to the Atocha site to meet up with Gary Randolph, Captain of our search vessel R/V Pin Pointer and her crew Dale Jennings, Cliff Sirman and Brian Flanigan to check out the Anchor that was just recently located on an unexplored part of the Atocha Trail. It was Friday afternoon, July 16th, when Gary Randolph (Captain of the Pin Pointer) and Jose Nelson Garcia (Conservator) were out on the Pin Pointer magging a yet unexplored part of the Atocha Trail where they got a really intense "hit" from the magnetometer, so great that they decided to dive and check it out right away. As they were descending "We saw what appeared to be a crossbar, then the shank of an anchor and then Papo saw the flukes after that," noted Captain Gary Randolph. The Anchor was found with a broken shank which was reminiscent of one of the Atocha Anchors found back in 1982 which also sported a broken shank. That anchor is now prominently displayed at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum in Key West. So, could this be another Atocha anchor? If it is, what can it tell us? Things are really starting to stir around here, so stay tuned- "Today's The Day!" Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/AnotherFirst0704.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/AnotherFirst0704.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 11:10:05 EST KEY WEST - Over the 4th of July Weekend, John Corcoran, Treasure Diver on the JB Magruder, recovered this unique Red Ware Jar fully intact within one mile of where the "MotherLode" was found. Corcoran was metal detecting on the edge of a sand berm when he spotted just a small nub of what appeared to be a ceramic handle. He carefully fanned the sand enough to uncover first one of the handles and then the fully intact red glazed vessel. This Red Ware Jar is glazed inside and out with several clusters of circular imprints decorating the outer bowl. So far only small pieces and shards of this red ware pottery have been recovered on the Atocha Site, so this makes John's discovery quite a unique find. Start the video clip to watch Capt. Andy Matroci and diver John Corcoran discussing their latest recovery. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more. http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/TreasureCoast0604.asp http://www.melfisher.com/SalvageOperations/RecentFinds/TreasureCoast0604.asp Fri, 19 May 2006 11:09:15 EST FORT PIERCE - GOLD FOUND!! The Treasure Coast lives up to its' name again. An exquisite ornate gold religious medallion and cross was recovered by the m/v Gold Hound captain Greg Bounds. His crew Chaz Francovigilla and Jeff Croy were yelling, Today's the Day! in the background as he called in on his cell phone from the site to report the find. Bounds is working the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks under a contract with the Mel Fisher Center and Museum in Sebastian Florida who holds the State contracts to salvage the ships. The gold was found on the site known as the Cabin Wreck, just south of Sebastian Inlet. The artifacts recovered there in the past have left a trail that runs nearly three miles. This site was one of the first where Kip Wagner started finding coins in the early 1960s' resulting in the naming of the Treasure Coast. The ill fated fleet of ships wrecked along our shores during a hurricane in 1715 taking with them over 700 lives. When Bounds brought the find in to the conservation lab of the Mel Fisher Museum, it was discovered to be a missing piece of a rosary recovered 10 years ago in 1994 by Fort Pierce treasure hunter Demostines Molinar. The same area in 1993 and 1994 yielded 4 intact gold rosaries, 10 pairs of gold cufflinks, 2 gold buckles, two gold manicure sets and a gold chain. Bounds hopes to continue to add to the list this week. It's really tough to find it all, said Taffi Fisher Abt, daughter of the world famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher who started it all. It's a big ocean with a lot of deep sand and Mother Nature makes it difficult. Twenty adventurous crews have subcontracted with the Fisher Group to go for the gusto and search for the missing 1715 Fleet treasure this summer. The salvage season just began in late May. There are only about 100 days a year that these sites can actually be worked due to weather conditions. The new find will be on display at the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum located at 1322 U.S. 1 in Sebastian. Mel Fisher, the World's Greatest Treasure Hunter, found the Spanish galleons, Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Santa Margarita on Jul 20, 1985. Over 40 tons of silver and gold were located including over 100,000 Spanish silver coins known as "Pieces of Eight", gold doubloons, Columbian emeralds, silver and gold artifacts and over 1000 silver bars. Visit us on-line at http://www.melfisher.com/ to learn more.