FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A Sanford family of treasure hunters found more than $1 million worth of gold artifacts off the coast of Florida.
Boat captain Eric Schmitt and his family made the find June 17 about 15 feet deep in the Atlantic Ocean off Fort Pierce, WFTV learned.
Schmitt said he couldn't contain his excitement when he found the first pieces of gold.
"It wasn't really luck, because we spent the last two years working this area extensively," Schmitt said.
The family paid to be able to search for the treasure as subcontractors of 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels LLC, a company co-founded by Brent Brisben.
Raw: Family finds Spanish treasure
"We own the exclusive salvage rights to the remains of the 1715 fleet off the Treasure Coast of Florida," Brisben said.
The treasure that was found is split between Brisben and the family after the state gets 20 percent.
"It is illegal for anyone to enter the water to recover these artifacts without working as a subcontractor for my organization," risben said.
The Schmitt family treasure hunts daily during the summer months if the weather allows.
"You're out all day long, you're on the boat, boats moving, you have the sun beating down on you," Schmitt said.
Schmitt said they have found gold and other treasures before, but this is their largest find.
"We go throughout the day, methodically moving the boat in small increments, and searching new territory," Schmitt said.
Brisben said the artifacts date from a 1715 maritime tragedy, in which 11 Spain-bound galleons were lost during a hurricane.
The items recovered include 51 gold coins and 40 feet of ornate gold chain. There's also a rare coin called a "Royal" that was destined for the king of Spain.
WFTV
