Pirates & Shipwrecks · Spanish fleet, 1715
1715 Treasure Fleet
Off Florida's Atlantic coast
What happened
In July 1715 a Spanish fleet sailed from Havana carrying silver, gold and other goods back to Spain. At about two in the morning on 31 July, a hurricane drove the ships onto reefs along Florida's east coast. All eleven ships of the fleet were wrecked.
Why it matters
It was one of Spain's worst losses at sea, and treasure from the wrecks still washes up today. The stretch of Florida coast where they sank is now known as the Treasure Coast.
What came next
Spanish salvagers set up a camp on the shore and recovered some of the treasure. In early 1716 pirates led by Henry Jennings raided the camp and took some of the recovered gold and silver.
Did you know?
A French ship called Le Grifon sailed with the fleet and was the only one to get through the storm.
Timeline
- July 1715The fleet sails from Havana, bound for Spain.
- 31 July 1715A hurricane wrecks the fleet along Florida's east coast.
- Early 1716Pirates raid the Spanish salvage camp.
- 1961Treasure hunter Kip Wagner finds the first of the fleet's treasure.