The Colombian Government Wants To Recover A Multibillion-Dollar Treasure From A Sunken Spanish Galleon, But Who Owns It?
The Colombian government recently revealed intentions to rescue the sinking 18th-century Spanish galleon San Jose cargo, but who would get over US$20 billion (€18.7 billion) in gold and diamonds remains unclear.
The 62-gun ship was sunk in combat with the Royal Navy off the coast of Cartagena in June 1708.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered that the almost 200 tons of gold, silver, and other jewels be recovered as soon as possible.
Juan David Correa, Culture Minister, told Bloomberg:
“This is one of the Petro administration’s priorities. The president has told us to accelerate the timeframe.”
The Colombian government claims to have discovered the wreck in 2015, while the business Sea Search Armada (previously known as Glocca Morra) claims to have discovered it in 1981 and claims half the treasure’s worth.
Peru, Panama, and the Bolivian indigenous country Qhara Qhara have all claimed it.
Colombia has not revealed the exact site of the wreckage or a timetable for recovering the riches.
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