The San Jose galleon.
The galleon had been heading back from the New World to the court of King Philip V of Spain, bearing chests of emeralds and some 200 tons of gold coins, when it was sunk in 1708.
Before Colombia announced the discovery in 2015, the ship had long been… pic.twitter.com/cWCpRcIsAy
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 23, 2024
On Wednesday, Colombia took a significant step to preserve its maritime heritage by designating the area surrounding the San Jose galleon wreck as a “protected archeological area.” The San Jose, which sank over three centuries ago off the Caribbean coast near Cartagena, is famed for its cargo of gold, silver, and emeralds, now estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
Colombia declared a "protected archeological area" around the spot where the legendary San Jose galleon sank off its Caribbean coast more than three centuries ago laden with gold, silver and emeralds believed to be worth billions of dollars. https://t.co/kd8RaL28EP
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 23, 2024
The Culture Ministry announced that this designation aims to ensure the “long-term preservation” of the shipwreck and to foster activities related to research, conservation, and valuation. The San Jose, often referred to as the “holy grail” of shipwrecks, was a Spanish crown vessel defeated by the British navy in 1708 during its voyage from the New World to Spain, carrying vast treasures intended for King Philip V.
Culture Minister Juan David Correa emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the wreck, stating, “This is not a treasure, we do not treat it as such.” He made these remarks during an event that marked the commencement of the first “non-intrusive” scientific exploration of the site. Plans include deploying an underwater robot to assist in the recovery process, focusing on the scientific and cultural aspects rather than treasure hunting.
Map of the coast of Colombia showing the area where the Spanish galleon San Jose, sunken off Cartagena in 1708, was found with a valuable treasure https://t.co/30R0a8y8qp via @IslanderNews
— Capitan ColOmbia-USA 🇨🇴🇺🇸 (@CapitanColombia) May 23, 2024
The wreck has been at the center of various international claims. Spain asserts ownership based on a UN convention that Colombia does not recognize, while the Indigenous Qhara Qhara people of Bolivia claim the treasures were taken from their ancestors. Additionally, a U.S.-based salvage company, Sea Search Armada, contends it discovered the wreck over four decades ago and has pursued legal action against Colombia, claiming rights to the shipwreck and seeking substantial compensation.
To safeguard one of the most significant archaeological finds in history from potential looters, the exact location of the San Jose remains undisclosed. This measure ensures the site’s protection while scientific investigations continue.
This Spanish galleon laden with treasures sank 300 years ago. Now members of three South American indigenous communities have asked Spain and UNESCO to declare the bountiful cargo of the San Jose a 'common and shared heritage' https://t.co/zjipgYeKYG pic.twitter.com/unfvnEEjjq
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 10, 2024
In 2022, Colombia released footage from a remotely operated vehicle that dived 900 meters below the ocean’s surface to the wreck site. The video provided unprecedented views of the ship’s contents, including gold ingots, coins, 17th-century cannons, and an intact Chinese dinner service. This discovery not only highlights the immense archaeological value of the San Jose but also its potential to shed light on historical maritime routes and the cultural exchanges of the era.
Major Points
- Colombia has designated the area around the San Jose galleon wreck as a protected archaeological site to ensure its preservation and facilitate research and conservation efforts.
- The San Jose, known as the “holy grail” of shipwrecks, sank near Cartagena in 1708 with a cargo of gold, silver, and emeralds estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
- Culture Minister Juan David Correa emphasized the wreck’s cultural value over its monetary worth, announcing the start of a non-intrusive scientific exploration of the site.
- The wreck has attracted international claims from Spain, Indigenous Qhara Qhara Bolivians, and a U.S.-based salvage company, each asserting rights over the treasures.
- To protect the site from looters, the exact location remains undisclosed, with recent explorations revealing significant artifacts including 17th-century cannons and an intact Chinese dinner service.
P Mercurio – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
