Having left California with 337 people and almost $1.5 million in gold the sidewheeler Golden Gate was bound
for New York, she never arrived. On July 27, 1862 while off Manzanillo, Mexico a fire broke out on the ship,
the captain made for land in the hopes of grounding the ship and saving the passengers, but ended up a little
short. The passengers panicked and the fire raged out of control and the ship was burned until she broke in
half and drifted ashore.

Those who did not perish in the fire or drown in the sea faced a desolate land with no food or water, a
lifeboat with 23 managed to get away from the burning ship, but they were not in much better shape. Those who made land were rescued two days later and those in the lifeboat some time after that. In all 237 people were killed in the tragedy.

Some of the gold was recovered, but it is thought that much still remains in the area, however after over 140
years it is buried and scattered in an area known for fast currents. Several salvage attempts have been made
and probably hundreds of part time treasure hunters have tried to find the gold, but to date it's location is
still a mystery.