Schate hunters in Cape Breton see therapy as the real price, not lost pirate gold. Yet they hope for both

Captain Jeff Mackinnon, a third-generation Canadian Treasure Hunter, is on a mission to retrieve a billion-dollar treasure from the depths of the Mira River in Nova Scotia. His crew aboard the Saucy Girl is hoping to recover 2,000 pounds of Spanish gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other jewelry from the wreck of the fancy, a ship belonging to the notorious British pirate Edward Low from the 17th century.

After discovering several previously unknown shipwrecks in the area, Mackinnon and his team are confident that they are closing in on the location of the fancy. Their findings have not only historical significance but also the potential to be one of the most valuable maritime discoveries in Canadian waters.

However, Mackinnon and his crew are not motivated solely by the prospect of financial gain. With the Treasure Trove Act of 2010 requiring all recovered artifacts to be handed over to the province, Mackinnon’s motivations lie elsewhere. His crew, consisting of retired police officers, firefighters, and military veterans, sees the project as a unique collaboration that combines history, adventure, and healing.

For Mackinnon, the preservation of these artifacts is a labor of love. He is committed to ensuring that the remains are not lost to time and that they are treated with respect. His dedication to the project goes beyond just the treasure itself; he sees it as an opportunity to honor the maritime history of Nova Scotia and create a center for excellence in dealing with mental health issues among veterans and first responders.

One of Mackinnon’s crew members, Michelle Burke, a military veteran from Cape Breton, echoes his sentiments. She believes that their work is essential for preserving both maritime history and the well-being of veterans and service members. Together, they are on a mission to not only uncover treasures but also to ensure that their legacy lives on.

As the tradition of treasure hunting wanes in Cape Breton, Mackinnon faces challenges in funding his expeditions. Without the support of a new season of his show, “The Death Coast,” he must find alternative sources of income to continue his work. The clock is ticking, as warmer waters and changing climate conditions threaten to destroy valuable artifacts on the ocean floor.

Despite these challenges, Mackinnon remains determined to carry on his mission. Whether through selling Artefact NFTs or seeking government funding, he is committed to preserving the history of Cape Breton and sharing it with the world. As he dives into the depths of the Mira River once again, Mackinnon’s passion for treasure hunting and maritime history shines through, reminding us of the rich tapestry of stories that lie beneath the surface of the ocean.