How Colombia’s Latest Expedition Could Solve a 300-Year-Old Maritime Mystery

Image Credit: Global News

Colombia has embarked on a significant underwater expedition to explore the San José, a Spanish warship that sank over 300 years ago in the Caribbean. The ship is believed to contain billions of dollars worth of artifacts, making it one of the most valuable shipwrecks ever discovered. The rights to these treasures are currently under intense dispute.

The San José, often referred to as the “holy grail of shipwrecks,” was discovered in 2015 by the Colombian government near the port city of Cartagena. This 62-gun, three-masted galleon, the flagship of a Spanish fleet, was laden with gold, silver, emeralds, and other precious goods from the mines of Potosi, Peru. The ship was en route from Panama to Colombia when it sank on June 8, 1708, during a battle with British ships in the War of the Spanish Succession, reportedly taking 600 people with it.

The first phase of the expedition will involve photographing the ship using non-intrusive remote sensors, according to the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH). The images captured will help build an inventory of the archaeological discoveries on the seabed. ICANH has declared the discovery site a national protected archaeological area to preserve its scientific and archaeological value.

Researchers plan to use an underwater vessel equipped with acoustic positioning technologies and a remote operation vehicle with various sensors and tools capable of descending to the depth of the site. This advanced technology will facilitate a detailed exploration of the shipwreck without causing damage to the artifacts.

“This government is doing something unprecedented… exploring the sinking of the galleon as a means of understanding history and culture,” Culture Minister Juan David Correa announced at a news conference in Cartagena, where the expedition was officially launched.

The San José’s discovery is particularly significant for Colombia because the ship’s treasure includes cultural and historical artifacts that provide insight into Europe’s economic, social, and political climate during the early 18th century. However, this discovery has also ignited a multi-billion dollar legal battle.

Colombia asserts that it first discovered the San José in 2015 with the assistance of international scientists. However, this claim is contested by a US-based marine salvaging company, Sea Search-Armada (SSA), previously known as Glocca Morra. SSA argues that they discovered the shipwreck in the early 1980s and have since initiated legal proceedings against the Colombian government in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. SSA claims entitlement to approximately $10 billion, which is half the estimated value of the shipwreck’s treasure.

The Colombian government, however, disputes SSA’s claims, maintaining that their discovery was independent and legitimate. According to reports released by SSA, the loss of the San José and its cargo caused significant financial hardships for merchants across Europe and the New World at the time.

As Colombia embarks on this groundbreaking expedition, it not only aims to uncover and preserve historical treasures but also to assert its claims over the San José. This mission highlights the broader implications of global conflicts and trade disputes over historical artifacts, underscoring the complex interplay between cultural heritage and international legal frameworks. As the expedition progresses, it promises to provide valuable insights into a pivotal moment in history while potentially resolving one of the most heated legal battles over underwater treasures in recent times.

As reported by CNN in their recent article