Colombia recovers first artifacts from legendary San Jose ‘holy grail’ shipwreck

Colombia has recovered the first batch of artifacts from the Spanish galleon, San Jose, which sank in the Caribbean Sea three centuries ago.

The Colombian scientists have recovered three coins, a porcelain cup and a cannon, from the billion-dollar treasure sitting underwater since 1708.

The galleon was located in 2015 almost 2,000 feet deep in the sea, and its location is a state secret. The government authorised a scientific investigation to determine the causes of its sinking and the first recovery of the artifacts is part of that investigation.

San Jose is dubbed “holy grail of shipwrecks” and it is believed the buried ship contains treasure worth billions of dollars, including 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds and precious cargo.

The leftist government in the country claims that the investigation is being carried out only for research purposes and the state, by no means, wants to seize the treasure.

Colombian Minister of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge Kadamani Fonrodona said, “This historic event demonstrates the strengthening of the Colombian State's technical, professional, and technological capabilities to protect and promote Underwater Cultural Heritage, as part of Colombian identity and history.”

The billion-dollar treasure’s contested ownership has been a source of legal tussle between Spain, Colombia and the United States.