Florida Authorities Recover $1 Million in Stolen 1715 Fleet Gold Coins

In a major investigative development concerning Florida’s maritime heritage, authorities have arrested Eric Schmitt of Booty Salvage, a family company renowned for its treasure-hunting endeavors. According to a news release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Schmitt faces charges related to the theft and illegal sale of gold coins. All of the coins were recovered from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet shipwrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast.