Florida, Oct 24, (V7N) — Remarkably preserved glass bottles, dating back over 300 years, have been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean floor, shedding light on a historic shipwreck.

Divers discovered two onion glass bottles from a Spanish shipwreck off the coast of Indian River County, Florida, during expeditions in 2021 and 2022. While the specific ship remains unidentified, it is believed to be part of the ill-fated 1715 Treasure Fleet, according to Mark Ard, director of external affairs for the Florida Department of State.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Spanish Plate Fleets transported riches between Spain and the Americas. The 1715 fleet met its tragic fate when 11 of its ships were lost to a hurricane while laden with treasures, including silver, gold, gemstones, and exotic spices, as noted by the National Park Service.

These artifacts, now protected under the Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserves, highlight the incredible resilience of historical objects. “The survival of these fragile bottles, after both the ship’s destruction and centuries underwater, is astonishing,” Ard remarked.

Though empty upon retrieval, it is believed the bottles once contained spirits. Likely crafted in England, the onion-shaped bottles showcase variations in size and shape due to their handmade nature. “Onion bottles are free blown using a pontil, making each one unique,” Ard explained.

The bottles were initially encased in sand and marine debris, suffering from "delamination," where glass flakes began to separate. To ensure their preservation, archaeologists meticulously cleaned and dried each bottle before applying layers of Paraloid B-72, a conservation-grade acrylic resin that enhances their appearance while stabilizing the fragile glass.

The Florida Division of Historic Resources now holds seven nearly-intact artifacts from the 1715 fleet, including the newly discovered bottles, which are available for loan to qualifying institutions worldwide. Displays of similar onion glass bottles can be viewed at HistoryMiami Museum, the Pensacola Museum of History, and McLarty Treasure Museum in Sebastian.

For those interested in the broader context of the Spanish Plate Fleet wrecks, the Florida Division of Historical Resources maintains a dedicated website featuring historical details, photos, and an interactive map of the finds at floridahistoryin3d.com.

In addition, the intriguing saga of the 1715 Treasure Fleet has inspired at least two films over the years, captivating audiences with tales of maritime adventure and loss.

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