was held between the autumn of 1599 and early 1600, which lead to a confession by one of the murderers. The authorities then began confiscating the treasure seized during the incursion, with other parts disappearing and reportedly ending in the hands of the governor's own nephew. The treasure confiscated was auctioned, with about 4,000 ducats of Indian silver remaining by 1602. The following governor employed another part in construction, with a collection of jewels and bars that were left behind being sold. The last piece, a large gemstone, was sent abroad for transport to Spain. From these events, the island would gain the moniker of "Isla de Caja de Muertos" ("Dead Man’s Chest"). Natural reserve The island was designated as a nature reserve in 1980 after a meeting was held in Puerto Rico by the Puerto Rico Planning Board wherein they considered the recommendation set forth by the Coastal Management Zone Program to turn the island into a protected wilderness area. The island has remained a protected area ever since. The protection is mainly due to its heavy turtle traffic which is an endangered species. Beaches The island is home to five beaches: Playa Pelícano, Playa Ensenadita ("Pocitas"), Playa Larga, Playa Blanca (also called Playa Coast Guard), and Playa Chica. Playa Pelícano has been named a blue flag beach. Playa Pelícano - located on the western (docking) side of the island, between the boat dock and Cerro Morrillo. Playa Ensenadita ("Pocitas") Playa Larga - a protected (and thus not accessible) beach on the southeastern side (the open Caribbean Sea side) of the island between Cerro Morrillo and Caja de Muertos Light. Playa Blanca (Playa Coast Guard) - located on the northwest side of the island (facing the city of Ponce), northwest of the Caja de Muertos Light. Playa Chica (Playa Carrucho) - located on the northern and northeastern end the island, facing the Puerto Rico mainland. See also List of islands of Ponce, Puerto Rico List of beaches in Ponce, Puerto Rico References Citations Bibliography External links Natural Reserve, official page Topographic Map of Caja de Muertos, showing roads and hiking trails "Topografico Playa de Ponce (N1752.5 W6630/7.5)." Drawn by J. A. Dones. Oficina de Planificacion de Recursos Costaneros. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales de Puerto Rico. 1962. Welcome to Puerto Rico! Caja de Muertos Uninhabited islands of Puerto Rico Protected areas of Puerto Rico Cays and islets of