Colombian scientists have recovered the first artefacts from the wreck of the San José, a Spanish galleon sunk in 1708 during the War of Spanish Succession. Long described as the “Holy Grail” of shipwrecks due to its immense cargo of bullion, ceramics and private wealth, the site has remained untouched for over 300 years until the recent carefully controlled extraction.
(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.
After the recent elaborate diving expedition at a depth of 950 meters (3,117 feet), the Colombian Navy has published new footage of the legendary ship and its treasures.
The San Jose galleon which was sunk by the British in 1708 near Colombia's Caribbean port of Cartagena and located in 2015 has been described as the holy grail of shipwrecks, as the ship was carrying one of the largest amounts of valuables ever to have been lost at sea.
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.
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.
