Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Gold! Pirate Contest Crowns Ryan Johnson at Mel Fisher Days -- While $250 Million in Sunken Treasure Still Awaits
- Vero Minute
- Jul 21
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Over the weekend at Mel Fisher Days in Sebastian, Ryan Johnson won the pirate costume contest judged by County Commissioner Joe Flescher. The event featured activities celebrating the region’s history and the legacy of Mel Fisher.
Fisher arrived in the early 1960s determined to locate shipwrecks from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet, which sank off the coast during a hurricane. His discoveries brought attention to the area and helped give rise to the name “Treasure Coast.” Despite decades of excavation, approximately $250 million worth of gold and artifacts remain undiscovered underwater. The Fisher family continues to be involved in search efforts and preserving this heritage.
To learn more or plan a visit, go to the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum website at www.melfisher.com/sebastian.
The museum is located at 1322 US Highway 1 in Sebastian, Florida, and features artifacts from the famous shipwrecks, interactive exhibits, and historical displays about Mel Fisher and the Treasure Coast.
