Four hundred years after the September 1622 sinking of the Spanish treasure galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha southwest of Key West, history and shipwreck buffs marked the anniversary of its loss at the Sept. 2-6 Mel Fisher Days in the island city.
The event honors the legacy of the late shipwreck salvor Fisher, who discovered the fabled wreck with his crew in 1985 after a 16-year search. Activities were guided by Kim Fisher and Taffi Fisher Abt, son and daughter of the late Mel and Dolores “Deo” Fisher, who took part in the Atocha search and now carry on the family’s shipwreck salvage tradition.
The discovery of the Atocha’s priceless treasure and artifacts was internationally hailed as the shipwreck find of the 20th century; Fisher’s salvage team was dubbed the “golden crew.”
Mel Fisher Days highlights included the Sept. 3 presentation of the Mel Fisher Lifetime Achievement Award to the “golden crew” in recognition of their dedication and meticulous recovery of the silver coins and bars, gold coins, navigational tools, rare weapons and other artifacts the Atocha carried.
Events also included presentations by marine archaeologists, historians and other experts who helped excavate, conserve and study the artifacts and treasures; and the debut of the book “Today’s the Day — The Mel Fisher Story” by veteran Florida Keys journalist Wendy Tucker.
The commemoration concluded on Sept. 6 with the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Key West’s Mallory Square. The plaque salutes the spirit of adventure displayed by Mel Fisher and his “golden crew” and honors those who died when the Atocha and other vessels from Spain’s 1622 fleet sank off the Florida Keys.
