In the world of treasure hunting, where the ocean holds secrets from centuries past, Eric Schmitt and his family have made a name for themselves as the modern-day adventurers. The story begins on New Year’s Eve in 2014, off the coast of Fort Pierce, Florida, where the Schmitts, a family of treasure hunters, embarked on a fateful adventure that would unearth not just coins and gold but a priceless religious artifact.
Eric Schmitt, a professional salvager, had dedicated his life to exploring shipwrecks and historical sites, seeking both knowledge and treasure for profit. The shipwreck they were exploring had a rich history, having faced a terrible storm in 1715. The site, owned by Brett Brisben of Ques Jewels, had already yielded treasures in the past.
On that particular day in 2014, Eric Schmitt stumbled upon a rare religious artifact known as a pyx—a three-wheeled vehicle used by ancient priests during exchange ceremonies. This pyx, made of pure gold, was part of a necklace recovered from the same wreck in 1989. Brett Brisben, who owned the rights to the shipwreck, emphasized the rarity of such finds, stating that while they discovered shipwreck artifacts daily, truly exceptional items were a rare occurrence.
The discovery had historical significance, making the arduous work worthwhile. The appraisal of such rare artifacts from shipwrecks is not an everyday event, and the excitement among the treasure hunters was palpable. Eric Schmitt and his family, operating under the company Booty Salvage, had made their mark in the treasure hunting community.
The journey to the shipwreck site was no easy feat. The Schmitt family, including Eric, traveled on their 44-foot fishing boat named the Aarrr Booty, emphasizing their commitment to their craft. Despite the challenges of the labor-intensive work, the joy of discovering artifacts with deep historical value outweighed the hardships.
The value of the discovered artifacts, including the pyx, was estimated to be around $300,000. Eric Schmitt’s family had a history of successful finds, and in the following year, 2015, they recovered 52 more gold coins worth over $1 million from the same site. The treasure hunting success seemed to be a family trait, with even the younger members of the Schmitt family contributing to the discoveries.
Brett Brisben, recognizing the cultural and historical importance of these artifacts, deemed them priceless. Legal proceedings were underway in the United States District Court in South Florida to determine the distribution of proceeds, with the state having partial ownership of the goods. The remaining proceeds would be divided between Brett Brisben’s company and Eric Schmitt’s family.
For the Schmitt family, the thrill of uncovering treasures from the depths of the ocean was not just about monetary gain; it was about preserving history and sharing the stories that lay hidden beneath the waves for centuries. Their journey continued, fueled by a passion for discovery and a connection to the past that few could truly comprehend.