Commercial exploitation has degraded wreck of galleon

UNESCO is worried about the  “degradation” of the wreck of the San Jose, a galleon that sank in the 17th century in the territorial waters of Panama that was rented out  to commercial exploitation by Panama authorities.

“The commercial exploitation of the wreck of the San Jose does not correspond to scientific criteria and has caused significant damage to this underwater archaeological site,” stated a Unesco report issued after a mission of experts studied the wreck in the Las Perlas archipelago.

In contrast a recently located wreck of a galleon sunk by British buccaneers near Cartegena has been taken over by the State and a museum is being built to house items recovered from the vessel said to be worth billions.

UNESCO sent two missions of experts this year to Panama to assess the situation. It found that powerful water jets had been used at the site, which does not conform with “current standards in the field of archaeological practice.”

In July, Panamanian authorities seized objects from the shipwreck that were about to be illegally exported.

UNESCO  experts condemned the “purely commercial approach” to the project, which focused only on the search for assets of commercial value. It recommended that any activity relating to underwater heritage be undertaken in accordance with the principles of UNESCO

The San Jose, a Spanish ship built in 1611, sank on June 17, 1631, after hitting a shoal. It was carrying a major shipment of gold and silver.