As you all know, today marks the 300th Anniversary of the loss of the 1715 Fleet. A great ocean tragedy befell 11 Spanish ships and over 1000 passengers and crewmen on this date three centuries ago. Many of us have been here in Florida commemorating this occasion with an important historical update on the 1715 Fleet.
The events of this past week were made even more significant by the recent announcement of the discovery, in June, of Spanish gold coins found in the waters of Ft. Pierce, near Douglass Beach. Included in this spectacular find was a beautiful fully dated 1715 Gold Royal. It is profound indeed that these coins were recovered approximately six weeks before the Anniversary of when they were lost.
We should all take a moment today to personally recall the tragedy of July 31, 1715. It is right to commemorate this event and not forget the human element that is associated with this tragedy.
Ben Costello
Director, 1715 Fleet Society
