Colombian authorities have recovered the first artifacts from the San José galleon, one of the world’s most valuable historic shipwrecks, during a deep-sea mission conducted in mid-November 2025. The items—publicly revealed on November 19 in Cartagena—mark a significant step in the second phase of Colombia’s scientific research project aimed at studying and preserving the 1708 wreck.
Story Highlights
- First artifacts recovered from the San José shipwreck between Nov. 16–18, 2025
- Items include a bronze cannon, colonial-era coins, and pieces of porcelain
- The operation was carried out at 600 meters using underwater robots
- Colombia emphasizes research and preservation, not treasure extraction
- Ownership disputes intensify among Colombia, Spain, a U.S. firm, SSA, and Bolivia’s Qhara Qhara people
The Recovery Operation
The mission was carried out jointly by Colombia’s Ministry of Culture, the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, and the Maritime Directorate. Using advanced underwater robotic technology, teams retrieved artifacts from nearly 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) below the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Cartagena.
Archaeologists retrieve first treasure items from $20B 'Holy Grail' shipwreck off Colombia | Andrea Margolis, Fox News
Colombia recovers porcelain cup, coins and cannon from legendary San José galleon that sank in 1708
Archaeologists in Colombia have retrieved the first items… pic.twitter.com/OntjM57K6W
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) November 24, 2025
Artifacts Identified
Recovered items include: A bronze cannon inscribed with “Sevilla”, three macuquinas—hammered gold and silver coins minted in Lima in 1707, A porcelain cup, two porcelain fragments, and a rope fragment.
These artifacts were transported to the Caribbean Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Centre, where specialists have begun a long-term conservation and analysis process. Researchers aim to better understand the ship’s origins, the production of its cargo, and the events leading to its 1708 sinking. To protect the site from unauthorized salvagers, the exact coordinates of the wreck remain a closely guarded state secret.
Historical Context
The San José galleon, sunk during a battle with the British in 1708, is often referred to as the “Holy Grail of shipwrecks” because of its rumored cargo—an estimated 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other valuables. The wreck was first identified by the Colombian Navy in November 2015, with its discovery officially announced the following month.
Ongoing Ownership Disputes
The extraordinary potential value of the ship’s cargo has sparked complex international claims. Colombia maintains that the wreck is part of its national cultural heritage. Officials say the current recovery efforts prioritize archaeological study and preservation rather than treasure extraction. Spain argues that the San José was a Spanish naval vessel and remains protected by sovereign immunity under international law, meaning ownership should revert to Spain.
The U.S.-based salvage company claims it discovered the wreck’s general location in the 1980s and is now pursuing arbitration. SSA seeks 50% of the estimated $20 billion value—roughly $10 billion.
Qhara Qhara Indigenous Claim
Representatives of the Qhara Qhara people in Bolivia assert that their ancestors were forced to mine the metals under Spanish colonial rule. They argue that the treasure is tied to their historical exploitation and should be included in any claims process.
The newly recovered artifacts mark an important scientific development, but they also reignite long-standing legal and cultural debates. As conservation work continues, the San José galleon remains at the center of global attention—valued not only for its immense treasure but for the history it carries beneath the Caribbean Sea.
Watch the report: ‘Holy grail of shipwrecks’: Colombian scientists recover treasures from galleon
Sources
Colombia recovers first treasures from 300-year-old ‘holy grail of shipwrecks’ – Repeating Islands.
First images of treasures recovered from $20 billion Colombian shipwreck | STV News.
Archaeologists retrieve first treasure items from $20B ‘Holy Grail’ shipwreck off Colombia.
