Colombia has recently recovered the first artifacts from the wreck of the San Jos , a Spanish galleon that sank in 1708 off the coast of Cartagena. The ship is believed to be laden with billions of dollars worth of gold, silver, and emeralds. The retrieved artifacts include a cannon, three coins, and a porcelain cup, all recovered from about 600 meters underwater as part of a scientific mission focused on studying the wreck rather than treasure retrieval.
The San Jos was a flagship of the Spanish Tierra Firme Fleet, carrying up to 200 tons of treasure when it was sunk during an attack by the English fleet. Recent investigations by the Colombian navy have provided strong evidence identifying the wreck as the San Jos , including coins minted in 1707 at the Lima Mint found on the seafloor, which align with the ship’s known route.
There are ongoing legal disputes involving Colombia, Spain, and US investors over the ownership rights to the ship and its treasure. The discovery is regarded as one of the richest shipwrecks ever found, with substantial historical and monetary value.
