Colombian Government Approves Recovery Plan for San Jose Galleon
Colombia has given the green light for the retrieval of the legendary San Jose galleon that went down off the Colombian coast over 300 years ago. Loaded with gold, silver, and emeralds, the wreck is deemed a “holy grail” of shipwrecks, valued in the billions. The nation will invest over $1 million in the recovery process set to commence next month.
Robotic Extraction to Begin Soon
Culture Minister Juan David Correa revealed plans to use an underwater robot to salvage treasures from the galleon. Scheduled between April and May, the extraction aims to assess the retrieval process without harming the historical site. The expedition will delve into the wreckage at a depth of 600 meters for artifacts like ceramics and wood pieces.
Secrecy Surrounds Treasure Recovery
The operation’s location remains confidential to prevent looting, safeguarding what is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds ever. The vessel, once the property of the Spanish crown, sank in 1708 near Cartagena, carrying valuable cargo back from the New World for King Philip V of Spain.
UN Arbitration in Progress
As Colombia pushes ahead with the recovery, a legal battle ensues at the UN’s Permanent Court of Arbitration with U.S.-based Sea Search Armada, claiming initial discovery of the wreck four decades ago. Recent exploration using a remotely operated vehicle has unveiled breathtaking images of the San Jose’s riches, including gold ingots, coins, and ancient artifacts.