Island Plata Sir Francis Drake silver dumped, has it all been found?

[MikeinEcuador]

I am trying to get information on the silver and other loot that was thrown overbroad by Drake by the Island of Plata. As far as I can find 45 tons where dumped, and only about 18 tons have been recovered to date, and that was back in the 1930. Is this information correct? Can you also point me in a direction of where I can get more information on this. Also I live in Ecuador where can I find out about more gold that has been lost at sea, and land for this country. Thanks for any help in advance.

Mike

 

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[Darren in NC]

Welcome to the forum, Mike. I haven't reasearched Drake, so I hope someone will be able to help you. But I'm fascinated with Ecuador. I hope to plan a trip there in the next year to search for some gold pieces deposited in a riverbed after an earthquake. What have you been able to discover while living there? Have you been in touch with Stan Grist (professional treasure hunter) who lives in Quito? Have you panned the many available rivers for gold? Godspeed in your adventures there. Hope to hear about your travels. -Darren

 

[MikeinEcuador]

Hey thanks for the message. I just got done e-mailing Stan so hopeful he can help with some info. Ecuador is a pretty nice country. Where I am at the weather is pretty nice all year long, but I haven't been able to find anything though. If you make it down this way let me know.

 

[Darren in NC]

Glad to hear you contacted Stan. He's always willing to help, so I expect you'll hear from him. If and when i do come down to Ecuador, I'll be sure to shoot you an email before I come 8)

 

[sdgrist]

Hi Mike,

I just saw your post here. Forgive me for my ignorance, but I receive a lot of emails everyday. Are we in touch? If not, please email me ASAP. I would love to meet up with you to discuss Drake and much more. My home phone in Quito is 2244-276.

Warm Regards,
Stan

Hey thanks for the message. I just got done e-mailing Stan so hopeful he can help with some info. Ecuador is a pretty nice country. Where I am at the weather is pretty nice all year long, but I haven't been able to find anything though. If you make it down this way let me know.

 

[sdgrist]

Hi Darren,

When will you be down for a visit next? Be sure and let me know a couple weeks before your arrival so we can meet up.

Let me know,
Stan

Glad to hear you contacted Stan. He's always willing to help, so I expect you'll hear from him. If and when i do come down to Ecuador, I'll be sure to shoot you an email before I come? 8)

 

[Mackaydon]

Mike:
The story about the recovery of silver in the waters off Isla Plata came from Nora Stirling's book, "Treasure Under the Sea". If you want a quick recap of the story, your local library probably has a copy of John S. Potter's book: 'The Treasure Diver's Guide'. In Potter's book, he briefly mentions the story. If you wish to dig deeper, Nora Stirling's book (it's great reading!!) is classified:

LC Control Number: 57011440
Type of Material: Text (Book, Microform, Electronic, etc.)
Brief Description: Stirling, Nora B., 1900-
Treasure under the sea [by] N. B. Sterling.
Garden City, New York, Doubleday, 1957.
352 p. 22 cm.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CALL NUMBER: G525 .S882
A couple thoughts: I believe the area is now a Maritime Santuary. It is also within the jurisdiction of the Ecuadoran government's rules regarding recoveries from the sea. Many years ago I attempted to contact Miss Stirling. She was about 90 years old, living in a retirement home in NY state and had no research files or notes.
Good luck,
Don.......

 

[rgecy]

Didn't they (the partners) get into a dispute and the investor was fearing for his life?? So he sabotaged the rig so they would have to leave before thay got it all up!? Something to that effect?? Correct me if I'm wrong?

Robert in SC

 

[Mackaydon]

Robert:
My recollection (of Nora's story) is that one of the dredge lines broke and they decided that they had enough loot and chose to go home rather than risk a lot of questions going ashore and getting new parts. I've never seen this story corroborated, though one guy last year stated he had some bottom time and held one of the bars in his arms and (would you believe) didn't bring it to the surface--and either hasn't returned;' or did so, and couldn't find it again.
Ever heard that before?
Would be nice to have someone surface with some pics.
Don.......

 

[Bill]

Several years ago, a California treasure hunting group hired me to investigate the Drake silver story. I learned that he dropped over about 40 tons of silver, after allowing his men to keep 16 copper bowls of coins per man. The island was Cano at the time. In the 1930's a drag line was brought in, and some bars were recovered. The drag line broke however, and the salvage ended. I also learned that a South American salvage company had a lease on the site, but I could never find out if they were successful in salvaging anything. Stan, possibly you could find that information now that you are living in Ecuador. I gathered this information before 1992, so it is fairly recent. The California TH'ing group decided not to pursue the lead after learning about the SA company. The silver was dumped on the south side of the island after Drake had taken on water and turtle meat. It would be mostly bars.