Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Thursday oversaw the recovery of historical artefacts from the 300-year-old shipwreck of the San Jose galleon. The operation, carried out aboard Colombian Navy vessels, included the extraction of a cannon, a porcelain cup, and ancient coins.
Read More: Tragedy in colombia: 10 dead, 11 injured in university field trip bus crash
The San Jose sank in 1708 near Cartagena while reportedly carrying treasure worth billions, making it one of the most valuable shipwrecks in history. Historians have long considered the galleon a key link to Colombia’s colonial maritime heritage.
President Petro described the recovery as a milestone for scientific research and the preservation of the nation’s underwater cultural treasures. Authorities emphasized that the operation prioritizes careful documentation and conservation of the artefacts.
Read More: Colombia Expels Israeli Diplomats Over Gaza Flotilla Incident
The mission not only sheds light on Colombia’s colonial past but also demonstrates the growing capabilities of the country in underwater archaeology, offering potential insights into trade, naval history, and material culture of the era.