The San Antonio - Shipwreck Diving Bermuda
The San Antonio was a Portuguese merchant ship headed from Cartegena to Cadiz on September 12th, 1621, with a cargo of hides, indigo, sarsaparilla, and tobacco, as well as 5,000 pounds of gold and silver, when she ran onto the western reef about eight miles from Ely’s Harbour. She displaced some 300 tons and was armed with 12 cannons.
The story of the wreck tells of 120 survivors making it safely ashore, only to fall prey to wreckers on Bermuda who tortured them and made them give up the secret of the ship’s treasure. Most of the gold and silver was recovered by the wreckers under the supervision of Bermuda’s Governor Butler. The ship’s anchors and most of her guns were also retrieved.
The wreck was found in 20 feet of water in 1960. A cannon was discovered, along with odds and ends of pottery, some coins, a gold chain and a jeweled ring. Today, there’s little left of the wreck for divers to see, and no treasure at all.
Bermuda - How to Get There:
For visitors arriving by air, Bermuda is served by most US airlines and by international airlines from Canada and Europe. Bermuda is also a major destination for the cruise ship industry.
Look for the best travel deals to Bermuda:Know Before You Go!