The historic ship sunk in 1708 once again surprises with key pieces for scientific research.
News Colombia.
The Colombian National Navy carried out Operation Poseidon, an unprecedented operational deployment that marks a crucial advance in the second phase of the research project Towards the heart of the San José galleon. This operation supported the collection of five archaeological objects recovered from the Protected Archaeological Area where the legendary galleon lies, considered one of the most valuable submerged heritages in the country and the world.
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According to the institution, the mission required specialized capabilities in navigation, underwater inspection and maritime security, integrating highly trained personnel and state-of-the-art technological equipment. The complexity of the area and the conditions of the seabed made this operation a logistical and scientific challenge of great magnitude.
Within the framework of the second phase of the research project “Towards the heart of the San José galleon”, on November 19, 2025, the Colombian State presented in Cartagena de Indias the five archaeological objects collected from the context of the Protected Archaeological Area of… pic.twitter.com/x3JO9H194X
— MinCultura Colombia (@mincultura) November 20, 2025
The five archaeological elements recovered are part of the vast collection of assets that rest on the galleon San José, sunk in 1708 during a naval confrontation. Although the types of objects extracted were not publicly detailed, these pieces are key to advancing the study, conservation and historical interpretation of the shipwreck, considered a unique laboratory for underwater archaeology.
As part of the second phase of the research project Towards the heart of the San José galleon, the National Navy developed Operation Poseidon, an unprecedented operational deployment to support the collection of the five archaeological objects recovered from the Area… pic.twitter.com/S9MWA3qFxp
— Colombian Navy (@ArmadaColombia) November 20, 2025
The Navy stressed that its participation is not only limited to guarding the protected area, but also to guarantee that each intervention meets strict safety standards and preservation of archaeological material. This seeks to avoid damage to the site and ensure that the recovered pieces arrive in optimal conditions in the hands of the experts.
The project Towards the heart of the San José galleon is led by the Ministry of Culture and the General Maritime Directorate, and integrates a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, historians, engineers and heritage specialists. The information collected in this second phase will allow us to expand scientific knowledge about the structure of the ship, its loads and the historical context of its shipwreck.
With Operation Poseidon, the Navy reaffirms its essential role in the protection of the country’s Submerged Cultural Heritage and in the defense of the historical legacy that the San José galleon represents for Colombia. The institution will continue to accompany the following phases of the project, considered fundamental for the documentation and conservation of this national archaeological treasure.
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