Mel Fisher (August 21, 1922 – December 19, 1998) was an American treasure hunter who spent decades searching for treasure in the Florida Keys. He is best known for discovering the 1622 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in the 1970s, a find that cemented his legacy in the world of maritime archaeology and treasure hunting.
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Table of Contents
Mel Fisher Net Worth
Mel Fisher had a net worth of $100 million. The State of Florida claimed title to his shipwreck and forced Fisher’s company, Treasure Salvors, Inc., into a contract giving 25% of the recovered treasure to the state.
Fisher’s company fought the claim, arguing the find should belong exclusively to them. After eight years of litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Treasure Salvors, awarding the company rights to all treasure recovered from the vessel on July 1, 1982.
Early Life
Mel Fisher was an Indiana-born former chicken farmer who later moved to California. He opened the state’s first diving shop, called “See Da Sea.” Fisher attended Purdue University.
In 1953, he married Dolores (Deo) Horton, who became his business partner. She was one of the first women to learn to dive and set a women’s record by staying underwater for 50 hours. Mel and Deo had five children, forming a family deeply involved in treasure hunting.
Career
In 1972, Mel Fisher’s company discovered the wreck of the slave ship Henrietta Marie while searching for the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and other ships from the 1622 Spanish treasure fleet, which had wrecked along the Florida Keys during a hurricane.
On the first visit, they recovered two anchors and a cannon. The wreck was revisited in 1973, and additional artifacts were collected, including bilboes, which were iron shackles used to restrain slaves.
Personal Life
Mel Fisher hired Duncan Matthewson as chief archaeologist during the Atocha period, and Treasure Salvors, Inc.’s employees became experts in the recovery and conservation of underwater artifacts.
Fisher agreed to sell Treasure Salvors in 1986, and the company remained active as of 2009. His business continued under the name Mel Fisher’s Treasures.
How Much Treasure Did Mel Fisher Find?
Fisher’s crowning achievement, the discovery of the Atocha, unveiled a treasure trove worth an estimated $450 million, encapsulating gold, silver, and emeralds lost to time and the sea.
Conclusion
Mel Fisher’s tale is one of unparalleled adventure, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for wonder and the relentless pursuit of dreams. His legacy, etched in the annals of treasure hunting lore, continues to captivate and inspire.
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FAQs about Mel Fisher
- What drove Mel Fisher to treasure hunting? Fisher’s passion for the ocean and the mysteries it held fueled his journey into the world of treasure hunting.
- What challenges did Mel Fisher face in his treasure-hunting endeavors? Fisher faced legal battles, financial risks, and the tragic loss of his son Dirk, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his quest.
- How did Mel Fisher’s discoveries impact the field of underwater archaeology? His discoveries brought attention to the importance of underwater cultural heritage, blending the thrill of treasure hunting with the significance of historical preservation.
- What was the significance of the Atocha discovery? The Atocha discovery is one of the most significant underwater treasure finds, highlighting the rich history of maritime trade and the capabilities of modern treasure hunting.
- How is Mel Fisher remembered today? Fisher is remembered as a pioneering treasure hunter whose legacy lives on through his family’s continued explorations and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, which educates and inspires future generations.
