Columbian authorities are now releasing the first pictures of the Spanish galleon that had sunk 300 years ago, killing around 600 of its passengers and crew. The ship is said to have carried gold and precious stones when it sank—which is worth billions today.


		This oil painting shows how the San Jose Galleon exploded during Wager’s action. The San Jose was sunk by the Royal Navy off the coast of Cartagena. (Photo from dailymail.co.uk)

Built in 1696, the San Jose was sunk by the Royal Navy off the coast of Cartagena 300 years ago, when it was transporting the said treasure back to Spain. It sank off the coast of Cartagena and never reached its destination. Since then, it was considered the “holy grail” of sunken treasure ships, believing it would be the largest find ever.

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The San Jose galleon was located on sonar while an autonomous underwater vehicle was used to find the ship. Though no treasure was brought to the surface at the meantime, it is estimated to be around $1.5 Billion worth.

Parts of the 1,066-ton behemoth of a ship, which was equipped with 60 cannons, are visible on the ocean floor, according to the president’s office, along with ballast, bronze cannons, ceramics, porcelain vases and weapons.

Though Columbian authorities revealed pictures, they did not disclose the ship’s location. With the ‘battle for the treasure’ going on, that would be the best thing for Columbian authorities to do. The U.S. firm Sea Search Armada claimed to have found the San Jose in 1981, and they are asking for at least ‘half’ of the treasure. While another claimant might rise soon: Spain may consider action to reclaim its “sunken wealth.”