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Colombia Retrieves First Artifacts From San José Galleon

Officials describe a science-led conservation mission as ownership of the treasure remains under dispute.

Overview

  • Archaeologists brought up a bronze cannon, three coins and porcelain pieces from the 1708 wreck using remotely operated vehicles.
  • The coins were sent to the National Museum of Colombia and the other artifacts to the Caribbean Oceanographic and Hydrographic Research Center for conservation and study.
  • Authorities say the recovery is part of a phased, government-approved scientific expedition focused on research rather than commercial salvage.
  • The site lies about 600 meters below the Caribbean near Cartagena and its exact coordinates are kept secret to protect the wreck.
  • Legal battles continue as Sea Search Armada seeks roughly $10 billion through arbitration and Spain asserts claims, while researchers also reexamine whether hull damage, not just an explosion, caused the sinking.