Short Wave Real Life 'Goonies'? A Mysterious Shipwreck Found Off the Oregon Coast
Jul 13, 2022
In this intriguing discussion, Scott Williams, President of the Maritime Archaeological Society and an expert in Pacific Northwest history, shares the thrilling tale of the Beeswax Wreck. He reveals how centuries-old treasures and pirate legends have captivated treasure hunters. Learn about the discovery of shipwreck timbers and the unusual cargo of beeswax and Chinese porcelain. Scott elaborates on the daring efforts of volunteer archaeologists and how geological changes led to new opportunities for uncovering lost maritime secrets.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Beeswax Wreck Legend
- Legends of beeswax blocks and Chinese porcelain washing ashore in Oregon led to tales of a Spanish galleon.
- These tales, combined with a local story of buried treasure, fueled treasure hunts and may have inspired "The Goonies."
Significance of Beeswax
- The beeswax's significance came from its large, marked blocks, non-native origin, and sheer quantity.
- Coupled with the porcelain shards and a brass elephant, it hinted at a large, possibly Spanish galleon.
Identifying the Ship
- Initially, researchers believed the wreck was the San Francisco Javier (1705).
- Geological evidence and porcelain dating suggested the Santo Cristo de Burgos (1693), contradicting historical accounts of it burning.