For over a decade, historians Doug Kenck-Crispin and J.B. Fischer have been engrossed with an Oregon Coast shipwreck that inspired the film "The Goonies". Their documentary, "The True Quest for Fabled Treasure on the Oregon Coast", produced with Tony Altamirano, delves deep into this mystery. Their film is rooted in a quest for knowledge rather than physical treasure. Interestingly, another team also explored this shipwreck narrative, creating tension between the two groups.
Kenck-Crispin and team unearthed old photos, footage, and even maps related to the wreck. Davy Jones, their location scout, and marine ecologist Grant Law found significant leads among locals, including tales of artifacts, beeswax, and articles related to the shipwreck. Craig Andes, a local, had discovered large timbers in 2013, which were later identified in 2020 as likely belonging to the ship known as the Beeswax.
Scott Williams from the Maritime Archaeological Society believes these timbers belong to the Spanish galleon Santo Cristo de Burgos, a ship that mysteriously vanished after departing Spain in 1693. This ship was part of a 250-year-old tradition where Spanish ships transported valuable goods from the Philippines. Only four such ships were ever lost.
The shipwreck's allure even captivated Ed Fire (also known as Tony Moreno) in the 1960s and ‘70s. He believed the ship contained treasures, including the Ark of the Covenant, and dug for them, becoming an inspiration for the film "Real-life Goonies Explored in an Upcoming Documentary Premiering Next Month".
The shipwreck story is filled with intriguing elements and unresolved mysteries. While the film will be showcased in theaters, it will also be available for streaming, allowing viewers to unravel its enigmas from home.
For an in-depth account, readers can explore the full story as reported by Willamette Week.
