The Lost Fleet of 1715: Shipwrecks, Treasure, and the Hunt for Spanish Galleons off Florida’s Coast by Peter H. Fairbanks takes readers into one of the most dramatic maritime disasters of the early modern world. In July 1715, eleven Spanish galleons heavy with gold, silver, emeralds, and pearls sailed from Havana bound for Spain. Within days, a hurricane slammed into Florida’s coast, wrecking ten ships, killing thousands, and scattering untold riches into the sea. From the empire that launched the treasure fleets to the desperate salvage efforts of survivors, this book traces the fate of the 1715 Fleet across centuries. It explores how pirates and opportunists raided the wrecks, how storms and shifting sands buried the ships, and how the story faded into legend—until modern divers like Kip Wagner and Mel Fisher rediscovered the galleons, sparking a new age of treasure hunting along Florida’s “Treasure Coast.” Drawing on historical records, survivor accounts, and modern finds, Fairbanks brings together the sweep of empire, the violence of hurricanes, and the persistence of dreamers who continue to search for what the ocean still conceals. Ideal for readers fascinated by shipwrecks, Spanish treasure, Florida history, and the enduring mystery of lost gold, The Lost Fleet of 1715 blends meticulous research with vivid storytelling, offering an unforgettable journey into one of history’s greatest treasure tales.