First treasures recovered from the ‘richest shipwreck in history,’ worth an estimated $19,000,000,000 after 317 years

The first treasures have been recovered from a Galleon known as the ‘richest shipwreck in history,’ in the ocean near Colombia.

It will likely prove to be one of the most incredible finds of the modern era.

These treasures have been recovered after more than three centuries at the bottom of the sea.

And the haul from the shipwreck is estimated to be worth over $19 billion.

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Empires ruled the seas – and this ship was part of it

Ladies and gentlemen – today’s story is one you’re going to want to see.

Because it might just be the single greatest discovery of the modern era.

Colombian researchers have just discovered the first artefacts from a legendary shipwreck.

And the recovered treasures could be worth more than $19 billion.

Before getting into the specifics, you might be asking yourself something.

What on Earth kind of shipwreck could have treasures that valuable?

Well, allow us to take you back in time to explain.

The shipwreck in question is that of the legendary San José galleon, which was a 64-gun galleon built by the Spanish Navy in 1698.

The San José was actually a twin ship, built alongside the San Joaquin, and was part of the legendary Spanish treasure fleet during the War of the Spanish Succession.

It served as part of the fleet under the direct command of General José Fernández de Santillán – the Count of Casa Alegre.

When the Spanish Empire began establishing colonies in the Americas, it needed to transport the resources it had claimed back home to Europe.

Existing from 1566 to 1790, it was the first transatlantic trade route in human history.

This is all important context for one key reason.

In 1708, the San José would unwittingly set out on what would be its final voyage.

Serving as the flagship of a treasure fleet, the group was sailing from Portobelo, Panama, to Cartagena in Colombia.

On June 8th, 1708, the fleet encountered a squadron from the British Royal Navy.

A battle ensued near Barú Island, which would become known as Wager’s Action, and saw the powder magazines of the San José detonate, sending it to the bottom of the sea.

Of the 600 men originally onboard, only 11 survived.

But the gold, emeralds, silver, and jewellery were all lost to the ocean.

San José could be the richest shipwreck in history

Until now, that is.

As mentioned at the beginning, the shipwreck has now been discovered.

On November 27, 2015, the Colombian Navy discovered what has now been referred to as ‘The Holy Grail of Shipwrecks.’

Colombian authorities identified the San José galleon by its bronze guns that were cast with dolphins.

Now, some of the treasure – including an historic cannon, three gold coins, and a porcelain cup – have been recovered from the site in the Caribbean Sea.

Multiple parties now contest ownership of the valuable cargo in ongoing legal proceedings, however, as its total worth could exceed $19 billion.

As such, an American company called Sea Search Armada (SSA) is currently suing the Colombian Government.

It claims that it discovered the location back in the 1980s, and wants $10 billion in compensation.

SSA insists it disclosed the coordinates to Colombian authorities – and agreed to share any recovered wealth.

Interestingly, Spain itself also maintains a legal argument over the claim to the treasure.

It asserts that the galleon and the treasure remain Spanish property.

Where this will all end remains a truly fascinating guess.

But one thing is for sure – the discovery of the San José is one of the most incredible stories in a long, long time.