Colombia Embarks on Unprecedented Exploration of 18th-Century Spanish Galleon

The San José, sunk in 1708 with an estimated £16 billion in treasure, is now a protected archaeological site amid ongoing legal disputes.

Remote sensors and underwater robots are being used to map the San José shipwreck site.
The Colombian government aims to preserve the site for its scientific and cultural value.
Multiple parties, including Spain and indigenous communities, claim ownership of the treasure.
US salvage company Sea Search Armada is seeking compensation for its alleged discovery of the wreck in 1981.
The final decision on ownership will be made by an international arbiter in London.