Expedition Set to Investigate Centuries-Old Galleon San José in Colombian Waters – Sky Bulletin
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The Colombian government has officially announced an ambitious deep-sea exploration project focused on the legendary San José galleon, a ship that sank in the 18th century off the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Experts believe the wreck could hold a treasure trove worth billions.
The primary objective of this initial phase is to gather data that will help identify which artifacts from the sunken vessel can and should be recovered. Positioned 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet) beneath the surface, the shipwreck’s precise location remains a closely guarded national secret.
Discovered by Colombia in 2015, the San José has been at the center of legal challenges and international contention. The Colombian government is prepared to invest around $4.5 million this year for the archaeological study of the galleon, which carried 62 guns and three masts before being downed by a British naval fleet on its journey to Cartagena in 1708.
According to Alhena Caicedo Fernández, the director of the Colombian Institute of Archaeology and History (ICANH), the nation intends to undertake the first phase without collaborating with private enterprises. The announcement came during a symposium in Cartagena focused on the galleon.
The expedition’s launch is timed for the spring, subject to suitable weather conditions. Oceanographer and navy Rear Adm. Hermann León Rincón detailed the involvement of robotic technology linked to a naval vessel, designed to be maneuvered with precision using a satellite in geostationary orbit above Earth.
This technology, purchased by Colombia in 2021, can reach depths of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) underwater.
The mission, as ICANH archaeologist Carlos Reina Martínez expressed, aims to paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship for the about 600 individuals during its sinking and to examine the cultural insights the vessel’s cargo, armaments, and trade goods of the time can provide.
Emphasizing the shipwreck’s heritage over its possible material worth, Colombia’s Minister of Culture, Juan David Correa, declared, “History is the treasure.” The sunken ship has caused legal confrontations not only in Colombia but also in the United States and Spain regarding the rightful ownership of its contents.
On Thursday, the Colombian government started arbitration proceedings against Sea Search Armada, a consortium of U.S. investors who have claimed entitlement to half of the galleon’s treasure, which they estimated to have found in 1982 and valued at $10 billion.
The San José galleon is rumored to contain a staggering array of riches, including 11 million gold and silver coins and emeralds, collectively valued in the billions.
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FAQs About the Galleon San José Expedition
Q: When did the galleon San José sink?
A: The galleon San José sank in 1708 after a conflict with an English squadron.
Q: Why is the San José shipwreck significant?
A: It is believed to house a vast fortune, including millions of gold and silver coins and precious gems from the Spanish colonies; it also offers invaluable insights into the colonial era.
Q: Who is funding the expedition?
A: The Colombian government has earmarked approximately $4.5 million for the archaeological project this year.
Q: What are the legal disputes surrounding the shipwreck?
A: Legal battles involve Colombia, a group of American investors called Sea Search Armada, and Spain, with each party claiming rights to the treasure.
Conclusion
The deep-water expedition to explore the galleon San José represents a significant historical and cultural undertaking for Colombia and the world. While it is tempting to focus on the monetary value of the potential treasure, the expedition underscores the importance of heritage and history. The government’s dedication to this project illustrates a commitment to preserving and understanding the country’s past. As international eyes turn toward the Caribbean waters, the secrets of the San José lie in wait, poised to offer a window into an era long submerged.
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