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Colombian archaeologists have recovered the first items from the legendary San José galleon, known as the “Holy Grail of Shipwrecks,” from its vast treasure.
sunken galleon caribbean The discovery, discovered during an attack by a British fleet in 1708, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and international conflict since its discovery in 2015.
The shipwreck is thought to contain around 11 million gold and silver coins, along with emeralds and other valuable cargo. The treasure is worth as much as $20 billion.
The San José was carrying boxes filled with jewelry and gold coins when it sank en route. King Felipe V of Spain.
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The San José galleon sank in 1708 while transporting gold and jewels destined for King Philip V of Spain. (Leemage/Corbis, via Getty Images, Office of the President of Colombia/Handout, via Reuters)
On Thursday, Colombia’s Ministry of Culture announced: archaeologist recovered A porcelain cup, three coins and a cannon were found at the scene.
A photo released by the government shows President Gustavo Petro marveling at how the recovered ancient bronze cannon remains in excellent condition.
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The recently unveiled artifacts are just a fraction of what the ship was carrying when it sank more than 300 years ago.
Colombia and Spain both claim ownership of the treasure. Colombia is in an arbitration case with Sea Search Armada, a US investor group that claims to have discovered the shipwreck in 1982.
The first items recovered include a porcelain cup, three coins, and a well-preserved bronze cannon. (Handout via Colombian Presidential Office/Reuters)
The exact location of the wreckage is a state secret and lies approximately 600 feet underwater.
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Petro’s government asserted that deep-sea exploration focuses on research, not treasure hunting.
While the San Jose galleon remains the world’s most valuable known shipwreck, other notable maritime discoveries are surfacing in 2025.
Officials previously released photos of the shipwreck showing the wreckage of the San José galleon, known as the “Holy Grail of shipwrecks.” (Reuters)
This summer, a group of marine experts determined the exact location of Captain James Cook. HMS Endeavor, The ship once reached the east coast of Australia.
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Officials made the announcement in June. deepest shipwreck ever recorded Off the coast of Ramatuelle, French waters. The ship still contained ancient cargo, including well-preserved porcelain.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
