Mel Fisher was a legendary treasure hunter who spent decades searching for the sunken riches of Spanish galleons in the waters of Florida. He is best known for finding the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a ship that sank in 1622 with an estimated $400 million worth of gold, silver, and gems. But how did he die and what legacy did he leave behind?
Contents
Early Life and Career
Mel Fisher was born on August 21, 1922, in Indiana, USA. He grew up reading stories of pirates and treasure islands, and dreamed of exploring the underwater world. He made his own diving helmet at the age of 12 and later opened his first dive shop in California. He married Dolores Horton, who became his business partner and one of the first women to learn how to dive. They had five children, who also joined them in their treasure hunting adventures.
Mel Fisher became fascinated by the history and mystery of the Spanish galleons that sailed from the New World to Spain with cargoes of precious metals and jewels. He learned that many of them were lost to storms, pirates, or reefs, and that some of them were still lying on the ocean floor, waiting to be discovered. He decided to dedicate his life to finding them and recovering their treasures.
The Quest for the Atocha
Mel Fisher’s most famous and challenging quest was for the Atocha, a massive ship that was part of a fleet of 28 vessels that left Havana, Cuba, in September 1622. The fleet was carrying a fortune in gold, silver, emeralds, pearls, and other valuables from the mines and colonies of South America. However, a powerful hurricane struck the fleet near the Florida Keys and sank eight ships, including the Atocha.
The Atocha was considered the most valuable shipwreck in history, but its exact location remained a mystery for centuries. Mel Fisher began his search for it in 1969, using historical records, maps, and modern technology. He faced many challenges and dangers along the way, such as legal battles with the state of Florida over ownership rights, financial difficulties, equipment failures, and even death threats from rival treasure hunters.
The most tragic event occurred on July 20, 1975, when Mel Fisher’s oldest son Dirk, his wife Angel, and diver Rick Gage died after their boat sank due to bilge pump failure. Mel Fisher was devastated by the loss of his son and daughter-in-law, but he did not give up on his dream. He adopted the motto “Today’s the day” to express his optimism and determination.
The Discovery of the Mother Lode
Mel Fisher’s persistence paid off on July 20, 1985, exactly 10 years after the death of his son Dirk. His son Kane radioed him from their vessel Dauntless with the words: “Put away the charts. We’ve got the ‘Mother Lode’!” They had finally found the main wreckage site of the Atocha, where they recovered stacks of silver bars, chests of silver coins, gold coins, Colombian emeralds, gold and silver artifacts, and thousands of other unique items. The estimated value of the treasure was $450 million.
The discovery made headlines around the world and brought fame and fortune to Mel Fisher and his family. They opened a museum in Key West to display some of their finds and educate the public about the history and culture of the Spanish colonial era. They also continued to search for more treasures from other shipwrecks in Florida waters.
Mel Fisher Cause of Death
Mel Fisher died on December 19, 1998, at his home in Key West at the age of 76. He had been battling cancer for months and underwent chemotherapy treatments. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends.
Mel Fisher was remembered as a visionary, a pioneer, a hero, and an inspiration to many people who admired his courage, passion, and perseverance. He left behind a legacy of discovery and exploration that continues to this day through his children and grandchildren who carry on his work at Treasure Salvors Inc., as well as through his museum and foundation that support maritime archaeology and conservation.
According to Wikipedia, Mel Fisher was buried at sea near his son Dirk’s grave site on July 13th 1999. His epitaph reads: “Dreamer’s Dream – Finder’s Keepers”.
