The remains of the Spanish galleon San Jose, attacked by the British 300 years ago in the course of a battle in which most of its crew and goods were sunken; It was found by divers explorers in Colombian waters about 1,000 feet (300 meters) deep. It is believed that it’s the world’s richest sunken treasure in a vessel, because it included gems, jewels, gold and silver.
The booty that was aboard the ship, was being sent to Spain in June 1708 to finance the war effort of Philip V in the War of Spanish Succession. A British war ship commanded by Commodore Charles Wager intercepted the Spanish Galleon about 16 miles off the coast and sank it. According to chronicles of the time, there was an explosion on the Spanish ship.
Other spectacular discoveries could still be under the waters off the Colombian coast, since it is considered that some 1,000 ships sank near coral reefs during the 300 years of Spanish colonization.
Among the treasure claimant’s is the Spanish government, which stated on the matter just the news was known. This country will request accurate information about the enforcement of the country in which the intervention based on a wreck (wreck piece) Spanish.
Also the US company Sea Search Armada, is in the midst of litigation in several international courts with the Government of Colombia on the property of the magnificent booty submerged.
The President of Colombia, has confirmed that the Spanish vessel was found early in the morning of November 27th, and said he was very pleased to inform Colombians found 307 years after its sinking. The president said a team from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) aboard a ship ARC Malpelo National Navy equipped with modern technologies has enabled its location in Colombian waters
The discovery is of global significance and is one of the biggest revelations of underwater heritage. ICANH director, has detailed in his identification was key spot their bronze cannons melted; a weapons created especially for this Galleon. Their presence attests to this expert, the authenticity of the archaeological site.
Colombian authorities will not yet reveal the location of San Jose, presumably to protect their valuable content against possible looting. The Colombian government’s intention is to build a museum to exhibit the treasure
ALFA