The Storm That Made the Treasure Coast

More than 300 years ago, a powerful hurricane struck Florida’s east coast and sent the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet—eleven ships laden with gold, silver, and precious jewels— to the bottom of the sea. The fleet had just left Havana, bound for Spain’s royal treasury, but only one ship, a French escort, escaped the storm. Near Sebastian, one of the fleet’s ships wrecked in shallow waters, its cargo scattered across the ocean floor.

The disaster was so dramatic—and the treasure so abundant—that coastal residents soon began finding gold coins and artifacts washing ashore for years afterward. This is how the region earned its name: the Treasure Coast. Even today, storms and shifting sands occasionally reveal a glint of that long-lost fortune.

Each year on July 31, Vero Beach historian Jim Wilson leads a public remembrance ceremony, honoring the more than 1,000 sailors who perished and retelling the events that tie this coastline to one of the most significant maritime disasters in Spanish history. His efforts keep the story alive for locals and visitors alike, connecting them to the legacy that still rests just offshore.

The 1715 Fleet Society works year-round to research, preserve, and share the history of the fleet. They host events, publish findings, and bring together archaeologists, treasure hunters, and history buffs from around the world. Their mission ensures that the Treasure Coast’s shipwreck saga continues to captivate new generations—and reminds us that the next tide could still uncover a piece of history.

To explore more about the fleet and its ongoing story, visit the 1715 Fleet Society’s official website here.