New artefacts have emerged from the depths of the Caribbean Sea, unveiling secrets from the legendary Spanish galleon San José, often referred to as the "holy grail of shipwrecks." This ship, part of the Spanish Navy, met its fate in 1708 at the hands of British forces while transporting a staggering cargo of gold and silver to Cartagena, Colombia. The shipwreck, discovered in 2015 at a secret location, is believed to contain treasures worth an estimated £16 billion, making it one of the most valuable shipwrecks ever found.
The recent exploration of the San José began in May 2024, utilizing advanced robotic technology to probe the wreckage. The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History has reported that the latest discoveries include an anchor, glass bottles, and even a bedpan, all contributing to an "unprecedented set of archaeological evidence." This exploration has not only revealed physical artefacts but has also expanded knowledge about the ship and its historical context, according to Alhena Caicedo, the institute's director.
The San José was laden with approximately 200 metric tons of gold coins, emeralds, and other valuables intended for the Spanish crown to fund military efforts against Britain. Tragically, nearly 600 crew members lost their lives when the ship sank, marking a significant maritime disaster. The artefacts recovered thus far provide insight into both the daily life aboard the vessel and the broader historical narrative surrounding its ill-fated journey.
The exploration is being conducted aboard the ARC marine scientific research vessel "Simon Bolivar," which is equipped for deep-sea investigations. The Colombian government, under President Gustavo Petro, has prioritized the recovery of the shipwreck, aiming to reclaim its treasures before his term concludes in 2026. However, the path to recovery is fraught with legal and ethical challenges over the ownership of the ship and its contents.
Spain asserts that the San José is a "ship of state," claiming that its treasures are protected under international law, specifically a UN convention to which Colombia is not a signatory. Meanwhile, the indigenous Qhara Qhara community from Bolivia contends that the gold and silver were taken from their ancestors, arguing for restitution. Additionally, the US-based salvage company Sea Search Armada has initiated legal proceedings against Colombia, asserting that it discovered the wreck over 40 years ago and is seeking £7.8 billion in compensation.
The ongoing debates surrounding the ownership of the San José's treasures reflect broader discussions about heritage, colonialism, and the ethics of treasure recovery. As the exploration continues, the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History emphasizes the importance of preserving the site's historical integrity while navigating the complex legal landscape.
The discoveries from the San José shipwreck not only hold immense financial value but also serve as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the historical events that shaped the region. As researchers delve deeper into the wreck, the hope is to uncover more artefacts that will further illuminate the story of this remarkable vessel and its tragic fate.
