Solving a Sunken Mystery: The Wreck of the 1564 Galleon Santa Clara

This presentation by Dr. Corey Malcom, Director of Archaeology for the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, gives an overview of the research processes that led to the identification of an unidentified shipwreck as that of the Santa Clara, sunk in 1564. The long-lost ship was owned by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the famed Spanish mariner who is best remembered for establishing the first enduring European colony in North America at St. Augustine, Florida. Menéndez was not with Santa Clara when it sank, but the shipwreck tells of the world in which he operated. And it illustrates details of Spain’s transatlantic system as it transitioned from conquest to commerce.
The shipwreck was initially called the “St. Johns Bahamas Wreck,” because it was discovered by St. Johns Expeditions, a Florida-based shipwreck salvage company. In a unique arrangement, St. Johns turned their discovery to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum for a wholly archaeological study; the artifact collection to remain intact in both Key West and The Bahamas. Special thanks go to the men of St. Johns Expeditions: John Browning, Clarence “Whitey” Keevan, Gene Evans, and Richard MacAllister for their foresight and generosity. And, with many years of detailed research going into reawakening the long-lost shipwreck, the project has been one of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum’s finest moments, too.

[@michaelshirley3042]

Thank you for sharing this information.!! Excellent documentary on the Santa Clara

[@billsmith8238]

History is treasure

[@lagarton91]

Magnificent work for the posterity, thank you to all involved …!!!!

[@tomlandefeld3601]

Growing up in the mid 80's and early 90's on the southern Treasure Coast, you all were a household name. Years later I am happy to be able to share these videos with my children. Keep up the great work!

[@David-cw7sv]

Hey Corey, I randomly stumbled across this, it seems you ended up in a nice place. I don’t know if you remember me but I was over on Gene’s boat when you 1st came over to see this wreck. (Gene’s nephew, Bob’s son I was just out of HS).
Nice to see a video on this. Nice work

[@tomlandefeld3601]

Growing up on the southern treasure coast of Florida in the late 80's and early 90's you guys were a household name. I appreciate sharing this information with my kids present day! Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[@bradcroy7904]

Well done documentary

[@MFMaritimeMuseum]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed the presentation. The Santa Clara project has been a lot of work, but the results are well worth it.

[@op-dm8gv]

There were also very old shipwrecks on the cuban coast. The ines de soto wreck for example. There is a channel where you can see them. Underwater adventures with alex mirabal.