Colombia

The legendary wreck was discovered off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, on 27 November 2015, by a team of international scientists and engineers during an expedition aboard the Colombian Navy research ship ARC Malpelo.

Colombia looks to recover treasures from the San José shipwreck

(TOP BANNER IMAGE: Samuel Scott / Wikimedia / public domain)

The San José, a three-decked galleon approximately 150ft long and armed with 64 guns, sank during a battle with British ships in 1708. It is believed to contain 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds and other precious cargo from Spanish colonies. Researchers have identified bronze cannons, ceramic and porcelain vases, and personal weapons among the artefacts, confirming the wreck’s identity.

Colombia has announced it has found the shipwreck of a storied Spanish galleon laden with gold, silver and precious stones

Spanish galleon laden with vast treasure located

The San Jose was carrying gold, silver, gems and jewellery collected in the South American colonies to be shipped to Spain's king to help finance his war of succession against the British when it was sunk in June 1708 during heavy fighting off the coast of Cartagena. In the fighting the vessel was reported to have exploded, with most of its crew killed.

Malpelo Island

Three of world’s best shark spots are located far off the coast of Central and South American, in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The least known of them, the tiny Colombian island of Malpelo, together with Galapagos and Cocos, create a “golden triangle” for big fish fans.