Gold coins seen in unprecedented images of treasure-laden San Jose shipwreck off Colombia’s Caribbean coast
- The San Jose galleon, thought to be carrying treasure worth billions of dollars, sank off Colombia’s Caribbean coast in 1708
- Recovering the wreck presents a technological and scientific challenge due to its depth of almost 950 metres
Four observation missions using a remotely operated vehicle were sent to the wreck at a depth of almost 950 metres (3,100 feet) off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the army said in a statement late Monday.
These missions, carried out by the navy under the supervision of the culture ministry, found the galleon untouched by “human intervention”.
Cannons partially covered by mud are visible alongside and intact Chinese dinner service, pottery, glass bottles and also gold ingots and coins.
A part of the bow can be clearly seen covered in algae and shellfish, as well as the remains of the frame of the hull.
Authorities said they had also discovered two more shipwrecks during their observation mission – a colonial-era galleon and a schooner from the postcolonial period.
