Archaeologists Recover First Treasures from ‘Holy Grail’ Shipwreck

Colombian archaeologists have recovered the first artifacts from the legendary San José shipwreck, dubbed the “Holy Grail of shipwrecks” for its vast treasure.

The galleon sank in the Caribbean Sea in 1708 after being attacked by a British fleet and has been the subject of intense scrutiny and international disputes since its discovery in 2015.

The shipwreck is believed to contain approximately 11 million gold and silver coins, as well as emeralds and other valuables. Its treasure is estimated to be worth up to $20 billion.

The San José was carrying chests full of jewels and gold coins when it sank en route to King Philip V of Spain.

Last Thursday, Colombia’s Ministry of Culture announced that archaeologists had recovered a porcelain cup, three coins, and a cannon from the site.

Photos released by the government show President Gustavo Petro admiring the unearthed ancient bronze cannon, which is in remarkably good condition.

These recently unveiled artifacts represent only a small fraction of the items the ship carried when it sank more than 300 years ago.

Both Colombia and Spain claim ownership of the treasure. Colombia is currently involved in arbitration proceedings with a group of US investors, Sea Search Armada, which claims to have discovered the shipwreck in 1982.

This article is excerpted from Fox News.