May 27th 2024.
Colombia has embarked on an exciting adventure - an underwater expedition to explore a Spanish warship that sank in the Caribbean over 300 years ago. This ship, known as the San José, is believed to hold treasures worth billions of dollars. However, the rights to these treasures are currently being hotly debated.
The Colombian government first discovered the San José in 2015, in the waters near the port city of Cartagena. It is often referred to as the "holy grail of shipwrecks" due to its historical significance. This 62-gun, three-masted ship was the largest galleon in the Spanish fleet and was carrying a valuable cargo of gold, silver, emeralds, and other goods from the mines of Potosi, Peru. Tragically, it sank on June 8, 1708, during a heated battle with British ships in the War of the Spanish Succession, with over 600 people on board.
The first phase of the expedition will focus on capturing images of the ship, using non-intrusive remote sensors. The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, who is leading the expedition, hopes that these images will provide valuable information for future explorations. The ultimate goal is to recover archaeological materials from the shipwreck. The images collected during this phase will also be used to create an inventory of the discoveries on the seabed.
To ensure the preservation of this important historical site, the Colombian government has declared the discovery site a national protected archaeological area. This will help to maintain its scientific and archaeological value for future generations. The research team plans to use advanced technology, including an underwater vessel with acoustic positioning and a remote operation vehicle equipped with various sensors and tools, to explore the site's depths.
Culture Minister Juan David Correa expressed his excitement about the expedition, calling it an unprecedented opportunity to understand history and culture. The expedition was officially launched in Cartagena last Wednesday, with a ceremony attended by government officials and international scientists.
However, the San José's discovery has also sparked a legal battle over the rights to its treasures. A US-based marine salvaging company, Sea Search-Armada (formerly known as Glocca Morra), claims that they were the ones who discovered the shipwreck in the early 1980s. They have launched a multi-billion dollar legal battle against the Colombian government in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, arguing that they are entitled to half the estimated value of the ship's treasure.
Colombia, on the other hand, maintains that they were the first ones to discover the San José, with assistance from international scientists. They dispute Sea Search-Armada's claims and the legal battle continues.
According to reports released by Sea Search-Armada, the loss of the San José and its cargo caused financial hardship to merchants throughout Europe and the New World. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Colombian government remains committed to exploring the San José and uncovering its valuable treasures. Stay updated on all the latest news about this expedition and other breaking news, celebrity gossip, and sports updates by following us on our WhatsApp channel. We promise no pesky comments or algorithms, and your private details will remain confidential. Join us now!
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