May 27th 2024.
For centuries, the wreckage of a galleon has been sitting on the ocean floor, its secrets hidden beneath the waves. This galleon, known as the San José, was carrying a treasure worth billions when it sank at the hands of the British Royal Navy. And now, after years of legal battles, the Colombian government has finally located the wreck in 2015. However, the exact location of the San José remains a closely guarded secret.
The San José rests at a depth of over half a kilometer in the Caribbean Sea, making it nearly impossible for even the most skilled divers to reach. But that hasn't stopped the Colombian government from trying to recover what remains of the galleon and its valuable cargo. After investing $4.5 million in an archaeological exploration, the government is now using underwater robots and remote sensors to survey the area and determine the best course of action.
The first phase of this mission is to gather information about the wreck and its surroundings. This will involve using advanced technology and enlisting the help of experts in the field. The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History has also stated that they plan to involve academia in this project. However, what happens next will depend on the findings of this initial phase. No plans for actual excavations have been made yet.
The discovery of the San José has been a contentious issue, with Spain and a US salvage company both claiming ownership of the wreck. But for many, this galleon is known as the "holy grail of shipwrecks", holding an estimated 11 million gold and silver coins, as well as emeralds and other precious cargo from Spanish-controlled colonies.
The search for shipwrecks and their treasures has become a focus in recent years, thanks to advancements in technology that allow us to explore the depths of the ocean. And while the San José may hold a fortune, it is not the only shipwreck that has captured the attention of treasure hunters. Another galleon, known as the Merchant Royal, is rumored to have sunk off the coast of Cornwall, carrying a potential £4 billion in gold and precious metals.
But unlike the San José, the Merchant Royal has yet to be found. Multibeam Services, a British company, plans to spend the entire year of 2024 searching for this elusive ship, using state-of-the-art equipment including unmanned underwater vessels and new sonar technology. The Merchant Royal sank on its way back from Mexico and the Caribbean, after making a stop in the Spanish port of Cadiz for repairs and to take on additional cargo.
As we continue to explore the mysteries of shipwrecks, we may uncover valuable treasures and learn more about our past. And with new technology at our disposal, we may finally be able to solve some of the greatest maritime mysteries of our time.
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