A Spanish galleon lying off the coast of Colombia has become a top priority project for the Colombian government, whose president is eager to recover as much as $20 billion in gold, silver, and gems. The Sinking of the San José: Colonial InterferenceThe British navy sank the 62-gun San José in a battle in 1708. During that period, the San José was believed to be carrying a treasure amassed over six years, comprising silver from Bolivia, emeralds from Colombia, and a staggering 11 million gold coins. The extraordinary value of its cargo earned it the moniker "the holy grail of shipwrecks." A model of a Spanish galleon at the Naval History Museum in Mexico City.

Source: The Times November 07, 2023 07:39 UTC