The relics of Bermuda's fascinating reefs

There are some really fascinating treasures lurking in Bermuda's warm and rich waters, especially those belonging to ancient wrecks. They include everything from old engraved pistols dating back to 1730, to elephant tusks and 18th century enemas to emeralds.

But for one diver, these little treasures are much more as they narrate the tale of his and scuba diving years finding a myriad of artefacts that the Caribbean sea once engulfed. Billy Gillies, a diver and wreck hunter who dedicated many hours of his life (two decades to be precise) to exploring Bermuda's reefs and recovering many long lost objects has now turned his home into an exhibition hall where the walls are adorned by some rather peculiar finds.

Image by : LookBermuda, on Flickr.

His home now being a museum exhibiting all sort of antiques rescued from the bottom of the sea and including bottles, lamps and weapons dating back to a time spanning four centures, Mr Gillies has become known as the very skilful restore of relics found among the debris of Bermuda's many legendary shipwrecks.

After many years of scuba diving holidays in Bermuda, the 81-year-old, who was among a generation of pioneering underwater explorers who uncovered several historic treasures from the reef, now wants to donate his impressive collection to a public museum where ordinary visitors will be able to view them. But sadly, as of now, he says he hasn't been able to find any takers.

"I wanted the national maritime museum to take them but they...weren't recovered under archaeological conditions.

"To me this is what people want to see. It is the artefacts that bring the stories of the ships to life."

Mr Gillies, who participated in one of Bermuda's first underwater explorations with Harry Cox, was part of a team of divers who helped rescue gold bars, coins and an emerald — apparently from a Spanish ship wrecked on the reefs in the 16th century.

Divers enjoying scuba diving holidays in Bermuda today, still visit the Manila wreck where the canons lie wedged against the reef.

Image by : LookBermuda, on Flickr.

While today's wreck-hunters use modern technology to roam the deep ocean for sunken treasure, these pioneers of underwater exploration in Bermuda used far less sophisticated methods.

Mr Gillies estimates he spent almost every Thursday and Sunday for 18 years of his life ‘flying underwater' in this fashion behind Mr Cox's boat.

One of the world's most fascinating scuba diving destinations, Bermuda offers divers a wealth of wrecks to explore, teeming with amazing coral life and some pretty peculiar human gadgets from a long bygone era. What could be more thrilling and exciting than taking home a remarkable 18th century find?