Oak & Iron: Galleon (Spanish)

San José and her sister ship San Joaquín were part of the Spanish treasure fleet during the War of the Spanish Succession, under General José Fernández de Santillán, the Count of Casa Alegre. In June of 1708, San José sailed as the flagship of a treasure fleet composed of three Spanish warships and 14 merchant vessels sailing from Portobelo, to Cartagena. During this cruise, the fleet encountered a British squadron of 4 ships under the command of Charles Wager near Barú. The British Squadron engaged the Spanish Flota in what would be known as Wager’s Action. During the battle, the powder magazines of San José exploded, sinking the ship with most of her crew and the gold, silver, emeralds, and other goods collected in the South American colonies. Only 11 survived of the original 600 crew. The San José’s cargo was crucial for the war effort and was a significant blow to Spain.