300-year-old shipwreck makes global headlines: Worth a staggering $17 billion

The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) stated that in the first phase of the expedition to examine the San Jose ship, located off the coast of the port city of Cartagena, the wreckage will be photographed with the help of remote sensors.

The statement noted that the results of the examination could pave the way for future explorations, including the recovery of the treasure in the shipwreck, and that the site has been declared a "protected archaeological area" to preserve its scientific and archaeological value.

SANK IN 1708

In December 2015, the Colombian government of the time announced that it had found the wreckage of the Spanish galleon San Jose, which sank in the Caribbean Sea in the 18th century, off the coast of Cartagena.

The ship, which contains gold bullion, precious stones, and jewelry estimated to have a total value of nearly $17 billion, sank on June 8, 1708, due to an attack by British pirates attempting to steal the treasure.

There is still much debate over who owns the San Jose treasures.

Spain is demanding the return of the treasure, arguing that the ship has sovereign immunity under the 2001 UNESCO convention.

Colombia, on the other hand, emphasizes that the ship was discovered in its own territory and maintains that the San Jose belongs to the state.

News Source: 12punto