In a surprising turn of events, the authorities of Florida announced the recovery of a cache of gold coins stolen from the shipwreck of the Fleet of 1715. This fortune, valued at more than a million dollars, was stolen by a group of treasure hunters who worked in the area.
The Fleet of 1715, a convoy of Spanish ships loaded with gold, silver and jewels, was wrecked off the coast of Florida during a hurricane in 1715. Since then, this shipwreck was the target of numerous treasure hunters, attracted by the promise of untold riches.
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In 2015, the family Schmitthired by company 1715 Fleet-Queens Jewels, LLCrecovered a total of 101 gold coins from the wreck. However, even though 51 of these coins were declared legally, the remaining 50 disappeared without a trace.
An exhaustive investigation carried out by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) revealed that the missing coins had been stolen. Digital evidence made it possible to link Eric Schmitta member of the family, with the illegal sale of the coins in 2023 and 2024.
Thanks to advanced forensic technology, it was possible to identify metadata and geolocation data that connected Eric Schmitt with a photograph of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce, Florida.
The stolen coins were recovered from various locations, including auctions, private residences, safe deposit boxes and even a Florida auctioneer who had unknowingly acquired five of the coins. Eric Schmitt.
In an even more surprising twist, Eric Schmitt was found to have intentionally submerged three of the stolen coins in the ocean in 2016 with the goal of them being found by new 1715 investors. Fleet-Queens Jewels.
Justice does its job
Eric Schmitt now faces charges of trafficking in stolen goods. The FWC He highlighted the importance of protecting Florida’s rich cultural heritage and assured that those who attempt to profit illicitly will be brought to justice.
“This case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida’s rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation,” he said. Camille SoverelFWC researcher.
The FWC worked closely with historic preservation experts, such as Mel Fisher-Abtto authenticate and evaluate recovered artifacts. Despite these advances, there are still 13 coins to be found and the search continues.
