The Colombian government announced Thursday that the first expedition of 2024 to the wreck of the Spanish ship Galleon San José, which sank near Cartagena in 1708, has discovered new artifacts and an area of archaeological interest.
Led by the Colombian Ministry of Culture, the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), the Colombian Navy and the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, the expedition announcementThe survey area is over 461,000 square metres, equivalent to more than 40 football fields. (Related: Daring Baltic Sea dive uncovers 19th century champagne and wine hidden in shipwreck)
The Culture Ministry said the explorers had found a new “concentration of archaeological material” around the wreck, adding to knowledge gained from previous expeditions. Researchers identified various “structural parts” of the ship, including anchors, finger rings and possibly nails, among everyday items such as jugs, glass bottles and washbasins.
“The discovery of a new concentration of archaeological material in the wreck of the San Jose Galleon highlights the complexity of analyzing this historic event since its sinking,” Vice Adm. John Fabio Giraldo Gallo, director of the Maritime Bureau, said in a release.
New remains have been discovered off the coast of Colombia from the 18th century Spanish galleon San Jose, which is estimated to have been carrying treasure worth £16 billion. The ship, owned by the Spanish navy, was carrying valuables including chests of emeralds and gold coins. pic.twitter.com/xvwTaUOX2Z
— World Update (@DataoftheWorld) August 9, 2024
In addition to the archaeological finds, the expedition documented the diverse marine life that inhabits the area around the wreck, the Ministry of Culture wrote, including species such as finless sharks and swordfish, as well as other aquatic creatures.
This development marks an important step in the ongoing effort to solve the mystery of the San Jose Galleon.
“We believe that in 2022 we may find new artifacts to add to the information we have gained so far,” ICANH director Athena Caicedo said in a statement, “which will be crucial in identifying key aspects of the galleon's interior and revealing fundamental aspects of life on board.”
The adventure isn't over yet, according to Culture, Arts and Knowledge Minister Juan David Correa, who is already planning further expeditions next year and beyond.
“Based on new observations this year, we will determine how to continue the mission in 2025 and 2026,” he said in the release. “In October, we will announce the next steps in 2025 on this journey to the heart of the San José Galleon.”
