Bogotá, Colombia (AFP) — The Colombian government announced a significant milestone in maritime archaeology today, revealing the discovery of new artifacts from the famed Spanish galleon San Jose. The ship, which has lain beneath the Caribbean Sea for over three centuries, was recently explored using robotic technology, bringing to light a fresh trove of historical treasures.
On August 8, 2024, the Colombian General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR) shared fascinating details following the first robotic exploration of the sunken galleon. The San Jose, which met its watery grave near Cartagena in 1708, was initially uncovered in 2015. Since then, its exact coordinates have been shrouded in secrecy to protect the site.
This recent survey, conducted between May 23 and June 1, has yielded a bounty of previously unseen artifacts. Among these are glass bottles, various types of jugs, and an antique anchor, adding to the extensive catalog of items believed to be held within the ship’s wreckage. This includes already discovered items such as cast iron cannons, porcelain pieces, pottery, and even gold objects.
The pursuit of the San Jose’s treasures has been both a historical and speculative endeavor for centuries. When Colombia announced in February that it would begin extractions, it reignited interest and debate over the ship’s valuable contents, estimated to be worth billions of dollars. According to historical accounts, the galleon was journeying from the New World back to the Spanish court, laden with chests of emeralds and around 200 tons of gold coins.
“This exploration has provided us with unprecedented archaeological evidence, significantly enhancing our understanding of the wreck,” stated Alhena Caicedo, director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History. The characterizations made during this exploration and the discovery of isolated objects offer fresh insights into the ship’s structure and cargo.
However, the reasons behind the San Jose’s sinking are still a subject of debate. While British documents cite an “internal explosion” leading to the ship’s demise, Spanish records suggest it fell victim to a battle with the British navy.
Ownership and rights to the San Jose remain contentious. Spain asserts a UN convention claim over the ship and its treasures, arguing they were state property at the time of its sinking. Meanwhile, Indigenous Qhara Qhara Bolivians maintain that the riches originally belonged to them and were unjustly taken. Additionally, the US-based salvage company Sea Search Armada claims to have discovered the wreck decades prior to Colombia’s 2015 announcement and has sought $10 billion in a legal battle through the UN’s Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Despite these disputes, Colombia’s government remains committed to raising the wreck for scientific and cultural purposes. The ambitious project is estimated to cost approximately $4.5 million, aiming to secure and study the historical artifacts not just as items of immense value, but as crucial pieces of world history.
These newly revealed artifacts from the San Jose not only deepen the intrigue surrounding the legendary ship but also promise to enrich the historical narrative of maritime exploration and colonial wealth in the Caribbean.
