Gold coins and other valuable artifacts have been discovered by archaeologists while exploring the bottom off the coast of Colombia. These objects were located near the shipwreck, which is centuries old.
The remote-controlled device reached a depth of about 900 m, which made it possible to study the wreckage from a new angle. Video footage showed coins, gold bars, dishes and surviving ship's weapons that were on board the San Jose galleon.
The ship was engaged in the transportation of gold, silver and precious stones from the Spanish colonies in Latin America to the court of King Philip V. The galleon was sunk by the British fleet off the coast of Cartagena on the night of June 7, 1708. Of the nearly 600 crew members, few managed to survive.
The study of the bottom made it possible to discover not only valuable finds on the San Jose, but also two other shipwrecks in the area. This is a galleon of the colonial era and a schooner of the post-colonial period.
According to the Colombian government, such a find is considered a national treasure and all items are planned to be exhibited in a museum built in Cartagena. As for companies or individuals who are interested in research or raising items, they will have to sign a contract with the state. And then provide a detailed list of finds recovered from the ship.
Recall that the announcement of the discovery of the exact location of the sunken galleon was made back in 2015. As evidenced by the found bronze cannons engraved in the form of dolphins. Then the government of the country stated that about $70 million would be needed for the lifting operation. According to various estimates, the cargo could cost about $1 billion.
The galleon was the subject of a dispute between Colombia and the American search company Sea Search Armada, which indicated the location of the ship's sinking. In 2011, an American court recognized the galleon as the property of the Colombian state.
Read also:
Maize god head found in MexicoPhoto © cbsnews.com
Photo © cbsnews.com
Photo © cbsnews.com
Photo © cbsnews.com