Years ago, underwater archaeologists lived by the motto "finders keepers"
when they struck gold. Today is a different story, but that doesn't
stop them from searching.
Sir Robert Marx, of Indialantic, is one such underwater archaeologist —
dare not call him a treasure hunter — who enjoys sharing tales of
the deep ocean blue and the world's rich maritime history.
The author of 64 books will talk about the 1715 shipwreck off Sebastian
Inlet and its impact next week at Florida Tech.
"The 300th year anniversary is coming up for the loss of that wreck and the
whole fleet," he said. "I want to make sure people know about it."
That wreck has been the subject of numerous books, articles,
documentaries and blogs. Capitan-General Don Juan Esteban de
Ubilla and his flagship, the Capitana, contained quite the cargo:
more than 3.5 million pesos in priceless treasure, specifically, the
queen of Spain's jewels. En route from Havana, Cuba, to Spain,
12 ships sank and their crew perished during a hurricane on July
30.
During his lifetime, Marx has found bountiful treasures, but this one has
remained maddeningly elusive.
"We know where the wreck is, but these things are complicated," he
explained recently as he reclined in his office chair in the home
he shares with wife, Jenifer, a philanthropist, diving expert and
author. Priceless artifacts line their bookshelves and fireplace
mantles. There's little room for even a coaster on the coffee
tables and side tables, for they're occupied by thousands-year-old
jade pieces or fine china.
Among his best finds? An 80-pound gold helmet that Marx said belonged to
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
Marx gives a brief lesson about maritime history and the lure of the sea. "A
lot of information we can't find just by diving," he said. "But we're
in it for knowledge, not to get rich."
Many of Marx's findings are housed in museums all over the world.
But no matter what coveted artifacts he brings up, nothing compares to the
biggest treasure he's ever found, he said: "I'm married to her."
"The Quest for the Queen of Spain's Priceless Jewels" lecture by Sir
Robert Marx..................
