Unknown Story

The Nuestra senora de Atocha was hit by a hurricane and sunk in September, 1622. All of the treasure in the vessel sank with it. Treasure hunters have been searching for Atocha ever since.

They couldn't believe all the treasure they pulled out of the Atocha. Gold,silver, diamonds, artifacts, cannons. There was an estimated half a billion dollars of riches.

Some difficulties arrived when the state of florida wanted ownership of the treasure.

One difficulty Mel had was he had to fight the state of florida for ownership of the treasure he found. He was forced into signing a contract giving 25% of his treasure to the state. Mel fought against this. The supreme court eventually ruled in favor and awarded Mel all rights of the treasure.

Eventually, Mel Fisher opened a museum that is an important part of historic preservation and education. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including some of the treasures and equipment he found on the Atocha.

Mel fisher and his discovery of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha

By: Abby Rager

The Nuestra senora de Atocha was hit by a hurricane and sunk in September, 1622. All of the treasure in the vessel sank with it. Treasure hunters have been searching for Atocha ever since.

They couldn't believe all the treasure they pulled out of the Atocha. Gold,silver, diamonds, artifacts, cannons. There was an estimated half a billion dollars of riches.

Some difficulties arrived when the state of florida wanted ownership of the treasure.

One difficulty Mel had was he had to fight the state of florida for ownership of the treasure he found. He was forced into signing a contract giving 25% of his treasure to the state. Mel fought against this. The supreme court eventually ruled in favor and awarded Mel all rights of the treasure.

Eventually, Mel Fisher opened a museum that is an important part of historic preservation and education. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including some of the treasures and equipment he found on the Atocha.

Mel fisher and his discovery of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha

By: Abby Rager

The Nuestra senora de Atocha was hit by a hurricane and sunk in September, 1622. All of the treasure in the vessel sank with it. Treasure hunters have been searching for Atocha ever since.

They couldn't believe all the treasure they pulled out of the Atocha. Gold,silver, diamonds, artifacts, cannons. There was an estimated half a billion dollars of riches.

Some difficulties arrived when the state of florida wanted ownership of the treasure.

One difficulty Mel had was he had to fight the state of florida for ownership of the treasure he found. He was forced into signing a contract giving 25% of his treasure to the state. Mel fought against this. The supreme court eventually ruled in favor and awarded Mel all rights of the treasure.