
In 1987, a lifeguard working the Jupiter Inlet beach had found something he couldn’t explain while doing his morning swim.
That Lifeguard, Peter Leo, was friends with a local salvor named Dominic Addario. Peter knew Dominic had the means and ability to further discover what Peter had uncovered during his swim.
When Dominic found a cannon, and then more cannons, they knew they were onto something and form “Jupiter Wreck, Inc.” in 1988 and acquired the permits needed to excavate the site.
After several years of excavation, they have found thousands of Spanish Reale (pieces of 8, 4, and 2s). They also uncovered a 76 lb. ingot of silver!
Domenic and Peter and unknowingly discovered the shipwreck that is believed to be the San Miguel Archangel.
Further research found that 33 passengers survived the shipwreck and the survivors were found at Jupiter Inlet in 1660.
The San Miguel Archangel is documented to have sailed from Havana, Cuba in 1659 and contained many special chests with items that were destined for the King of Spain.
Today, the remains of the San Miguel Archangel are still at the bottom of the ocean, scattered in water of only 10-20 feet.
The state of Florida has pulled the Jupiter Wreck permit until the owners work out differences that have come up over the years.
It is still believed that a majority of the ship is still buried in the sand as the main ballast pile has yet to be uncovered.
Who knows what will wash ashore in Jupiter next! Can’t wait till something washes ashore? How about just purchasing someJupiter Shipwreck coins for sale.
Join us on one of our Jupiter Boat Tours and learn all about this wreck along with many other historical references that have happened right here in Jupiter.