For over 300 years, the wreck of the Spanish galleon San José has captivated treasure hunters and historians alike. Now, the first artifacts have been brought to the surface, confirming the immense value and historical significance of this legendary shipwreck off the coast of Colombia.
The San José: A Floating Vault
The San José sank in 1708 during a battle with British warships, taking with it an estimated $18 billion worth of gold, silver, and emeralds (in 2018 figures). This makes it arguably the most valuable shipwreck ever discovered—a title that earned it the nickname “the Holy Grail of shipwrecks.” The galleon carried roughly 200 tons of precious cargo, and the recovered items offer a glimpse into the scale of this lost fortune.
First Finds: Cannon, Coins, and Porcelain
Initial finds include a bronze cannon, fragments of associated rope and metal, three coins (bronze and gold), and two intact porcelain cups alongside broken fragments. These artifacts were retrieved using robotic equipment and immediately placed in preservation containers: the cannon refrigerated and the coins submerged in saltwater to prevent decay.
“The recovery of these objects opens the possibility for citizens to approach the history of the San José through material testimony,” stated Alhena Caicedo Fernández, director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History.
A History of Conflict and Claims
The San José was a 62-gun Spanish galleon ambushed by British forces while transporting a treasure fleet. The ship went down with all 600 crew and passengers—whether due to an explosion or sinking remains debated among researchers. The wreck was finally located in 2015 at a depth of 2,000 feet.
Since its discovery, ownership disputes have emerged, with Colombia, Spain, a U.S. company, and the Indigenous Qhara Qhara nation all laying claim to the wreck and its cargo. The Colombian government has asserted sovereign rights over shipwrecks within its waters, and is currently leading the salvage operation.
Future Plans: Preservation and Display
The recovered artifacts will undergo further preservation efforts before being placed in a museum. The Colombian government intends to showcase these treasures alongside future finds, ensuring that the San José ‘s story and riches are accessible to the public.
The ongoing project marks a critical step in unraveling the mysteries of this historical site, while the long-term legal and cultural implications of the salvage operation remain under discussion.
