Sal Guttoso, manager of 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, has applied for a federal permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue salvage operations on ten shipwreck sites from the infamous 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet, a fleet that sank in a catastrophic hurricane over three centuries ago.
The 1715 Treasure Fleet, a convoy of 11 Spanish galleons laden with gold, silver, emeralds, and other riches from the New World, met its fate on July 31, 1715, when a fierce hurricane scattered the ships along Florida’s east coast, from Sebastian to Fort Pierce.
The disaster, which claimed between 700 and 1,000 lives, left behind a trove of artifacts that has since given the region its evocative nickname, the Treasure Coast.
Guttoso’s company, based in Sebastian, holds exclusive salvage rights to these wrecks, a privilege secured through U.S. Admiralty law and state contracts. Now, he’s seeking a 20-year reauthorization of a Corps permit originally issued in 1995 to continue the meticulous work of recovering artifacts from the ocean floor.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ public notice, Guttoso’s team employs a fleet of boats, typically under 50 feet, equipped with advanced underwater metal-detection systems. Their methods combine hand-fanning of sand, suction techniques, and vessel-based prop-wash deflection to carefully excavate the seabed.
These efforts have already yielded remarkable finds, including gold coins, silver artifacts, and ornate jewelry, some of which are displayed in Florida museums. In 2015, the company made headlines when it recovered $4.5 million in gold coins, including rare Royal 8 escudos crafted for Spain’s King Philip V, coinciding with the 300th anniversary of the fleet’s sinking.
Last year, when over 200 silver coins were discovered, Guttoso emphasized that treasure hunting prioritizes historical value over monetary gain. Despite years of salvaging, he said the wrecks continue to reveal insights about the past.
His passion for preserving history is evident, as each find adds to the narrative of the ill-fated fleet, which carried treasures like the fabled “Queen’s Jewels” intended for Spain’s royalty.
The permit application comes with strict environmental considerations. 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC must monitor for endangered species, including sea turtles and right whales, to minimize ecological impact. The Corps is accepting public comments on the proposal until June 9, 2025, via their Regulatory Request System or by contacting John Baehre at the Jacksonville District office.
The wrecks, scattered across a 300-square-mile area, have been explored since the 1960s by legendary treasure hunters like Kip Wagner and Mel Fisher. Yet, with an estimated $400 million in treasure still unrecovered, including six ships yet to be located, the stakes remain high.
Under Florida law, up to 20% of the artifacts found go to the state for museum exhibits, so everyone can learn about the history. The rest is split between 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels and its partner companies, balancing the need to protect history with the excitement of treasure hunting.
