The San José galleona Spanish ship that sank in 1708 off the coast of Colombiakeeps an underwater secret that has generated international disputes for more than three centuries.
This ship, loaded with a fortune of gold, silver and emeralds extracted from Americais considered by many to be the “most valuable treasure of humanity.” However, in recent decades, USA and several countries, such as Colombia and Spainhave been in an intense conflict over ownership and rights over the priceless objects submerged in its depths.
The Treasure of San José: An International Conflict
The San José galleon It is not only a vestige of colonial history, but also a symbol of an international conflict over its valuable cargo. After its shipwreck in 1708, the treasure, which could be valued at 200 million current dollars, has been an object of desire for several countries.
In 2015, the Colombian government, in collaboration with private companies ODImanaged to locate the wreck in the Caribbean Colombian, at a depth of 600 meters. This discovery sparked a series of legal and diplomatic disputes between Colombia, Spain and the United States, each claiming rights to the treasure.
Colombiabasing its claim on the fact that the shipwreck occurred in its territorial waters and that the government was the main promoter of the expedition to locate it, maintains that it has exclusive right over the objects found.
Read also
On the other hand, Spain argues that the San José was a warship under its flag, which gives it sovereign immunity and rights over the cargo. USAfor its part, becomes involved due to the company Sea Search Armada, which in the 1980s claimed to have discovered the shipwreck and claims a part of the treasure, alleging previous agreements with Colombia.
The future of the San José treasure: Legal and cultural implications
The dispute over Saint Joseph has transcended the legal sphere, since its resolution will not only affect the nations involved, but will also set a precedent in the way in which historical and cultural treasures found in international waters are handled.
In September 2024, Colombia presented its defense before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, reaffirming its exclusive right to the galleon and refuting the claims of the Sea Search Armada company. The court’s final decision is expected in 2025, and could have a direct impact on the distribution of the San José treasures.
Among the most valuable objects that still remain on the seabed, the following stand out:
- Gold and silver coins: Key elements of the cargo that represented the wealth of the Spanish colonies.
- Colombian emeralds: Some of the most coveted gems of the time, with high historical and cultural value.
- Gold ingots and silver bars: Significant for the economy of the time and of incalculable value.
- Jewelry and artifacts: Not only valuable in material terms, but also of great historical importance.
This underwater treasure not only represents riches, but is a symbol of the historical ties between the nations involved, whose legal resolutions could redefine the borders of shared cultural heritage.
