re: ‘Holy grail of shipwrecks’: recovery of 18th-century Spanish ship could begin in April

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The wreck’s precise location is a state secret to protect the site from looters, but Colombian authorities have revealed that it is 600 metres (2,000ft) below sea level – too far for divers to reach.

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That’s misdirection it’s actually around 4,200 feet deep, water temperature at depth approximately 37 degrees f on a sandy seabed. It's approximate location has been know since the 80’s.

The cargo manifest was well documented and this ship is loaded. There are three or four more like it offshore Columbia.

Columbia or Spain will prevail in international court for ownership (my guess Columbia) the private salvage company is shite out of luck, case law is against them.

Full recovery cost ship and treasure is between $25 to $50 million, depending on how much is buried and requires dredging to uncover. Time consuming to do without damaging artifacts.

Marine archaeologists aren’t very good at recovery Ops they’ll need to hire professionals with experience doing that, the issue being they destroy things more often than undamged recovery.

If you go make sure you’re fully paid in advance, and leave the site when the money runs out.