Underwater Robot to Recover Valuables from San Jose Galleon
Colombia’s government has unveiled plans for an expedition to salvage priceless artifacts from the sunken San Jose galleon, which plunged into the depths in 1708 carrying an abundance of riches including gold, silver, and emeralds valued at billions of dollars.
Delicate Operation Underway
Culture Minister Juan David Correa revealed that after eight years of anticipation, an underwater robot will be deployed to collect artifacts from the galleon’s surface in a meticulous operation. The endeavor, costing over $4.5 million, will be carried out at a depth of 600 meters to extract items like ceramics and wood pieces without disturbing the wreck.
Controversy Surrounds Discovery
The discovery of the San Jose galleon has sparked debates over ownership, with Spain and Bolivia’s Qhara Qhara nation both staking claims to the treasures. While Spain asserts rights due to the vessel’s origin, the indigenous community argues for restitution as they were coerced into mining the precious metals.
Protecting History from Modern Pirates
To safeguard the historic find from illicit scavengers, the expedition’s location is being kept confidential. A symposium involving Spain’s ambassador, Bolivian representatives, and experts is underway to navigate the delicate matter of accessing and preserving the wreck’s riches.
Charting a New Course
The Colombian government, led by President Gustavo Petro, aims to use national resources to recover the artifacts and ensure they remain in Colombia. The endeavor signifies a shift from colonial-era disputes to a collaborative effort in preserving and understanding this invaluable piece of history.
