TREASURE COAST BOATING
LIVING HISTORY
JOHN BRANDON COLLECTION
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roles not only as finders of ancient riches, but as caretakers of
historical artifacts.
“I really like that I’m touching something that somebody
lost, and it hasn’t been touched for hundreds of years,”
Fismer said. “Jack Haskins used to say, ‘We are returning
to public domain coins and artifacts that have been lost for
centuries, and we are the ones who are doing it.’ ”
So how long do these divers plan to search for treasure?
“How long do I have?” Fismer said with a laugh.
Fismer shows no signs of slowing down. Feeling healthy,
he continues to dive to find shipwrecks, fundraises for charity
and travels around the country on the speaking circuit
spreading the gospel of treasure hunting. His optimistic
message of yes, you can sums up his drive for overcoming
obstacles and getting the most out of life.
Brandon manages 1715 Fleet — Queens Jewels, the largest
permitted historical shipwreck salvage operation in Florida
waters, which holds the state contracts and the federal admiralty
rights to the 1715 Fleet wrecks. He also continues to
salvage historical shipwrecks.
Brandon also says that he won’t let age prevent him from
doing the job that he loves. He’s planned a special apparatus
that will help him find treasure well into his golden years.
“I’ve already designed a lift that will pick me up from my
wheelchair and set me on the ocean’s bottom, when I’m 85
years old,” he said. “I intend to do this as long as I possibly
can get on the back of a boat.”
Fismer and Brandon demonstrate that real treasure hunters
don’t retire — they just keep on finding troves of treasure. It’s
not a job with them, but a never-ending passion that keeps
them going.
A never-ending passion, Brandon enjoys uncovering hidden treasure.
“It’s the excitement and the adventure — it’s a lot of fun,”
Brandon said. “Any day that you clear the inlet and it’s clear
and calm, it’s a good day. Even if you don’t bring anything
up, it’s a good day. What’s the saying, a bad day at fishing
is better than a good day at the office? It’s kind of that — it’s
being out in the ocean and trying to take back what it took
away, so long ago.”
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