Colombia will launch a new expedition to find the sunken San Jose sailboat, which holds a treasure worth up to $20 billion. For this expedition, it is planned to invest about $4.5 million. The main tool will be an underwater robot capable of diving to a depth of 1,500 meters.
In the first stage of the expedition, the robot will examine the remains of the sailboat at a depth of 600 meters to identify objects that can be lifted to the surface. Despite previous failed attempts to get in touch with the treasures of San José, the Colombian authorities decided to carry out the expedition alone, not inviting private companies to participate.
The sunken Spanish galleon dates back to 1708, when it drowned off the coast of Colombia and brought silver from Bolivian mines. Experts estimate the value of its goods to be as high as $20 billion, making it one of the most important treasures in history.
It is worth noting that in the past, the American company Glocca Morra managed to find the crash site of the sailboat, but the Colombian authorities did not allow them to raise jewelry. However, in 2015, the wreckage of San Jose was found elsewhere, which caused controversy among the founders of Glocca Morra. They are demanding $10 billion in compensation, half of the estimated value of the treasure.
At the end of 2023, Colombian Gustavo Petro called for an accelerated search for the treasure of San José, considering this project one of his priorities. To achieve this, Colombia will invest about $4.5 million in this expedition. We look forward to the success of this expedition in order to reveal the true value of this sailing ship and its treasures.