An expedition has begun to explore an 18th-century shipwreck in the Caribbean rumored to contain billions of dollars worth of cargo, including 11 million gold and silver coins and other valuable items. The ship, named San José, sank in 1708 en route to Cartagena, Colombia, after being ambushed by an English squadron.
Key Points
The San José shipwreck is believed to contain 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other valuable cargo
The expedition is a deep-water exploration launched by the government of Colombia
The exact location of the shipwreck is a state secret
The treasure is estimated to be worth as much as $20 billion
Pros
Discovery of valuable cargo and historical artifacts
Opportunity to learn more about the 18th-century shipwreck
Cons
Risk of damaging or losing valuable artifacts during the exploration process