Known Shipwrecks
1) An entire flota was lost in 1553 on the coast of Florida. [4]
2) "SANTA MARIA DEL CAMINO," "SAN ESTEVA" and the "SANTA MARIA DE YCIAR" wrecked in 1554 near Rio Palmas. Latitude 26.30 Some of the treasure was salvaged by the Ais Indians. [1] These are probably the 3 naos of the New Spain Armada lost near present day Palm Beach. [4]
3) The "NEW SPAIN ALMIRANTA" was lost in 1589. This was a large galleon which sank in deep water, probably off Miami. [2] [4]
4) 29 ships were lost, many off the coast of Florida, in 1591. [4]
5) The SANTA MARGARITA was reportedly lost in 1595, 20 miles SE of Palm Beach although Potter claims that it is a ghost ship, i.e. never existed. [4]
6) The Spanish almiranta DE HONDURAS and a frigate were lost, possibly off SE Florida in 1632. [4]
7) The "FIVE NEW NAOS." In 1641 five Naos from the New Spain Armada wrecked north of Miami. An anchor found off Pompano Beach is thought to be from these wrecks. [2] [4]
8) A schooner was wrecked and possibly broken in half, in 1714-1740 time period near present day Bahia Mar. Part of this wreck may be off the Diplomat Hotel in Hallandale. [4]
9) The "SILVER DISKS" site. Possible one of the 1715 fleet north of Fort Lauderdale. Disks of silver dated 1714 were recovered. [2] [4]
10) A single merchant Nao was lost off Rio Seco in 1733. Rio Seco is suspected to be Hillsboro Inlet. [1]
11) In 1733, 22 ships sailing from Havana to Spain were hit by a hurricane. Most of the ships were lost in the Keys, and one ship returned to Havana. The "SAN PHILIPE" never returned or was known to be lost. This could be a possible area wreck. [1]
12) In 1734 a ship was reported lost near Rio Seco. [1]
13) In March of 1741 the HMS WOLF was lost on the coast of Florida. [4]
14) The merchant snow Ledbury was driven ashore on a key later named Ledbury Key. Wreck occurred in 1769. [4]