Did This Spanish Shipwreck Change the Course of History?
In a world exclusive, see a video of a vessel found near Cartagena, Colombia, that could have been sunk in 1741 to block a British invasion.
An international team of archaeologists has found a shipwreck that may be connected to one of the most important naval battles in Latin American history.
The vessel, a Spanish warship built in the early 18th century, may have been intentionally sunk in 1741 during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias, an upset Spanish victory during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, a battle with Great Britain for economic control of the Caribbean. The battle has long been a cultural touchstone in Colombia, which has celebrated the valiant Spanish defense.
Found in some 16 feet (5 meters) of water off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, the ship’s preservation is remarkable. Large portions of the ship’s bottom are mostly intact, its wooden beams
