SFRX has two permitted sites at Melbourne. One is considered a partial wreck site per SFRX, but the other has debris.
SFRX’s partner began the Melbourne project in 2000 and SFRX took over in 2014. Nothing significant has ever been found there.
Further, their target vessel The Concepcion has Sovereign Immunity protection under the Sunken Military Craft Act and is not to be disturbed without Spain’s permission.
The FBAR has warned SFRX in writing on multiple occasions that disturbing a wreck without prior permission protected by the SMCA would violate state and federal law.
SFRX violated the permit requirements when Tim Reynolds instructed divers to salvage several fittings from the unidentified partial wreck in the ring area and that lead to work stoppage. That was anything but archaeologically-sensitive. To the contrary.
Regardless, a 25 year project and no treasure. Not even a wreck.