Colombia will send deep-water expedition to explore 300-year-old shipwreck thought to hold treasure.
In Bogotá, Colombia, the government unveiled its ambitious initiative on Friday: a comprehensive deep-water expedition to investigate the legendary galleon San José, which sank in the 18th century off the northern Caribbean coast of the country, purportedly laden with treasure worth billions of dollars.
This scientific endeavor, in its initial phase, aims to gather crucial data from the depths surrounding the shipwreck, assessing the feasibility of recovering select artifacts. Resting 600 meters (approximately 2,000 feet) below the ocean’s surface, the precise location of the wreckage remains a closely guarded state secret, despite its discovery by Colombia in 2015.
Investing approximately $4.5 million this year, Colombia is committed to conducting an archaeological exploration of this historic vessel. Notably, the government has opted to lead this endeavor independently without engaging private entities for the initial research phase, as highlighted by Alhena Caicedo Fernández, the General Director of the Colombian Institute of Archeology and History (ICANH), during a symposium held in Cartagena.
Weather permitting, the expedition is scheduled to commence in the spring. Rear Admiral Hermann León Rincón, an esteemed oceanographer and navy officer, outlined the expedition’s methodology, involving the deployment of robotic equipment tethered to a navy vessel. Equipped with advanced cameras and satellite communication capabilities, the robotic system, procured by Colombia in 2021, can descend to depths of up to 1,500 meters (nearly 4,900 feet).
The primary objective of this operation, as articulated by archaeologist Carlos Reina Martínez, is to unveil the daily life, cargo, and cultural heritage encapsulated within the remnants of the San José. With an estimated 600 souls aboard when it sank, the galleon offers a tantalising glimpse into the colonial era in the Americas.
Minister of Culture Juan David Correa emphasised the intrinsic value of this maritime heritage, asserting that the significance of the wreck transcends mere monetary considerations. Nonetheless, the San José has been at the center of protracted legal disputes spanning multiple nations, including Colombia, the United States, and Spain.
Believed to house an assortment of riches, including 11 million gold and silver coins alongside emeralds and other precious commodities from Spanish colonies, the San José represents a tantalising yet elusive prize, evoking intrigue and fascination in equal measure.
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