Colombia Safeguards 300-Year-Old Treasure-Laden Shipwreck
Colombia has declared a "protected archaeological area" around the site of the San Jose galleon, a Spanish ship that sank off its Caribbean coast in 1708 with billions of dollars in treasure. The move aims to preserve the shipwreck and facilitate scientific research. The San Jose, often called the "holy grail" of shipwrecks, has been claimed by Spain, Indigenous Qhara Qhara Bolivians, and a U.S.-based salvage company. The exact location remains secret to prevent looting.