Colombia Explores 300-Year-Old Treasure-Laden Shipwreck

The Colombian government has begun an unprecedented mission to explore the San Jose galleon, a Spanish ship that sank in 1708 with an estimated $20 billion in treasure. The site has been declared a protected archaeological area, and the initial phase involves using remote sensors and sea-capable robots to document the ship and its contents. The rights to the artifacts are under dispute among Colombia, Spain, a US salvage firm, and Indigenous Bolivians. Colombian officials emphasize the mission's focus on historical and cultural understanding rather than treasure hunting.