The discovery of new artefacts on the 18th Century Spanish galleon, known as the “holy grail of shipwrecks,” off the coast of Colombia has sparked excitement among researchers and treasure hunters alike.
The San José ship, which belonged to the Spanish Navy, was sunk by the British in 1708 while en route to Colombia’s port city Cartagena with a valuable cargo of gold and silver coins. The shipwreck was discovered at a secret location in 2015, but the first robotic exploration only began in May 2024. It is believed to be carrying as much as £16bn in treasure.
The latest haul of artefacts, including an anchor, glass bottles, and a bedpan, has been described as an “unprecedented set of archaeological evidence” by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History. The ship is said to have been carrying one of the largest amounts of valuables ever lost at sea, including chests of emeralds and 200 tons of gold coins.
The ownership of the ship remains contested, with Spain claiming it as a “ship of state” and indigenous Qhara Qhara Bolivians asserting that the riches were stolen from them. Additionally, US-based salvage company Sea Search Armada has taken Colombia to the UN’s Permanent Court of Arbitration, seeking £7.8bn over claims that they first discovered the vessel more than 40 years ago.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has made recovering the shipwreck a priority before his term ends in 2026, but the ongoing debate over who owns the treasure continues to complicate the situation. Despite the challenges, the recent discoveries on the San José have provided valuable insights into the history of the ship and its precious cargo, adding to the intrigue surrounding this legendary wreck.
