Archaeologists in Colombia have successfully retrieved the first items from the San José galleon, a legendary shipwreck believed to contain up to $20 billion in treasure. The wreck, discovered in 2015, is said to hold an estimated 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other valuable cargo. The initial discoveries include a porcelain cup, three coins, and a remarkably preserved bronze cannon, which has drawn admiration from President Gustavo Petro.
The San José, which sank in the Caribbean Sea in 1708 during an attack by the British fleet, had been the subject of intense scrutiny and international disputes since its discovery. The ship was carrying a treasure-laden cargo bound for King Philip V of Spain when it met its fate. The wreckage’s exact location remains a state secret, with its coordinates kept confidential to protect it from looters and unauthorized access. The site lies nearly 2,000 feet below the surface, adding to the complexity of the recovery efforts.
Colombia and Spain have both claimed ownership rights to the wreck’s treasures, with the dispute extending to legal battles involving U.S. investors who discovered the wreck in 1982. Colombia’s culture ministry has affirmed that the deep-sea expedition is focused on research and exploration, not commercial treasure hunting. Despite the ongoing legal issues, the discovery has generated significant international attention, with other notable maritime finds also making headlines in 2025. For instance, marine experts identified the exact location of Captain James Cook’s HMS Endeavour, while officials unveiled a shipwreck in French waters that included well-preserved ancient cargo such as porcelain.
The San José’s recovery is considered the world’s most valuable known shipwreck, and its findings have sparked discussions on the historical, cultural, and economic implications of such discoveries. The site’s artifacts could offer invaluable insights into colonial trade, Spanish maritime history, and the impact of such treasures on global economics. As the recovery continues, the world watches closely to see what more history will be unearthed from the depths of the Caribbean Sea.