Last week, Sebastian came alive with Mel Fisher Days, an annual celebration honoring legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher, whose motto, “Today’s the Day,” has inspired dreamers worldwide.
Fisher, known for his confident charisma and signature gold chains, earned a legacy as “the world’s greatest treasure hunter” and was honored through a series of events held at Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum and venues along Indian River Drive.
This year’s festivities centered on a major achievement: celebrating the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha’s primary cultural deposit, also known as the “motherlode,” a historic find first uncovered in July 1985.
Fisher, along with his wife Deo, began his shipwreck salvage career on Florida’s Treasure Coast in the early 1960s. His fame increased with the discoveries of the 1622 fleet shipwrecks, Santa Margarita in 1980, and the Atocha five years later, which uncovered treasures that captured global attention.
The three-day event featured a variety of activities, including an online auction that raised funds for two local charities. Proceeds supported the Michael J. Abt Have a Heart Foundation of Indian River County, which equips schools and youth spaces with Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and provides training for their use in cardiac emergencies.
Additional funds benefited Wesley House Family Services, a Florida Keys nonprofit dedicated to child welfare and family preservation, as well as an auction expected to generate over $10,000 for these causes.
Mel Fisher Days blends history, adventure, and charity. The event ensures that Fisher’s enduring legacy inspires new generations to pursue dreams and treasure the bonds that unite us.
Brian Jahn reacts upon receiving his authentic 1715 Fleet silver coin after his winning key unlocked a treasure chest opened by Melvin Abt, great-grandson of treasure hunter Mel Fisher, following a Mel Fisher Days scavenger hunt game. Notice that Brians arm tattoo adorns the motto of Mel Fisher, “Today’s the Day” (Photo Credit: Jim Wilson)
The Atocha Golden Crew pose together for a group photo at the Mel Fisher Days Dockside party held at the Tiki Bar & Grill. In addition to being a charity fundraiser, this event is also a reunion for this unique group every year as they share stories with each other and those in attendance.
Four of the famous Golden Crew members presented at a treasure hunters forum moderated by Treasure Coast Archeological Society President Miranda Aiken. The speakers were asked questions about their unique treasure hunting experiences and offered answers to those with questions in the audience. (left to right:John Brandon, KT Budde-Jones, Damien Linn, Jim Sinclair, Miranda Aiken)
The Fisher Family traditional annual Mel Fisher Days group photo.
Winner of the 50/50 raffle who took home $574 and the Brownie Booty prize winner who picked flag #4 and won an authentic 1715 Fleet mounted silver coin celebrate and pose for the congratulatory photograph
