Archive · 13 Jun 2025
San José Shipwreck: 300-Year-Old Treasure Sparks Ownership Battle
Imagine a treasure-filled ship that sank over 300 years ago, like a pirate ship!
It's called the San José and it's filled with gold, silver, and jewels worth billions.
Researchers used special cameras to take pictures of the ship at the bottom of the ocean near Colombia.
They found coins with the same date the ship set sail.
These coins and markings match those of the San José.
Now, a few groups want the treasure: Spain, the United States, Colombia, and a local indigenous group.
They all claim they have the right to the treasure found in the deep sea, and it's still not clear who will get it.
A 300-year-old shipwreck, the San José, with $20 billion in treasure, has been identified off the coast of Colombia.
The ship sank in 1708 after being ambushed by the British; it had 600 sailors and a vast treasure.
Researchers used underwater images to confirm the ship's identity, based on coins dated 1707.
Coins carry markings from Lima and royal symbols of Spain, verifying the wreck as the San José.
Four parties, including Spain, the U.S., Colombia, and an indigenous group, are disputing ownership of the treasure.
- Who
- The San José, a Spanish ship, was discovered by researchers.
- What
- The discovery of the San José, a 300-year-old shipwreck with $20 billion worth of treasure.
- When
- The ship sank in 1708.
- Where
- Off the coast of Colombia.
- Why
- The ship sank after being ambushed by the British, leading to the conflict over its valuable treasure.
Colombia
International Parties
Discovery Claims
Colombia
Colombian Navy discovered the wreck.
International Parties
Glocca Morra, an American research company, claims to have discovered the San José in 1981.
Ownership Rights
Colombia
Colombia's stance is that they have the right to the treasure.
International Parties
Spain, the U.S., and an indigenous group, also seek ownership of the loot.
- Ship Name
- San José
- Estimated Treasure Value
- $20 billion
- Year of Sinking
- 1708
- Location
- Off the coast of Colombia
- Depth
- Approximately 1,970 feet underwater
- Number of Sailors
- 600