The discovery of the San Jose shipwreck off the coast of Colombia has uncovered a treasure trove believed to be worth billions of dollars. This shipwreck, which dates back to 1708, was sunk by the British during the War of the Spanish Succession. The galleon was transporting a vast amount of wealth from the colonies back to Spain, including gold, silver, and other valuable items.
The treasure aboard the San Jose is of immense historical and cultural significance. It’s estimated to contain at least 200 tons of treasure, comprising millions of high-purity gold doubloon coins, silver coins, and emeralds that were plundered from South America by the Spanish Empire. The total value of these treasures is speculated to be as high as $17 billion today.
The Colombian government, recognizing the importance of this find, plans to build a museum and a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory to display and preserve the shipwreck’s contents. These include not only the precious metals and gems but also cannons, ceramics, and other artifacts that offer insights into the economic, social, and political landscape of early 18th-century Europe.
The discovery was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Maritime Archaeology Consultants (MAC), the Colombian government, and other international scientists and engineers. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s autonomous underwater vehicle Remus 6000 played a crucial role in locating the shipwreck, which was found more than 600 meters below the surface.
The ownership of the treasure has been a matter of dispute, with claims made by various parties, including a U.S.-based company that asserts to have discovered the wreck in the early 1980s. Despite these controversies, the Colombian government is determined to ensure the preservation and protection of this underwater cultural heritage.