Saab’s Seaeye Lynx Supports Deep-Sea Survey and Documentation of Colombia’s Historic San José Galleon

Saab’s Seaeye Lynx Supports Deep-Sea Survey and Documentation of Colombia’s Historic San José Galleon

(IN BRIEF) Saab’s Seaeye Lynx subsea vehicle has played a key role in surveying and documenting the 18th-century galleon San José, a major Colombian underwater cultural heritage site located around 600 metres below the surface. Operated by the Colombian Navy, the remotely operated vehicle captured high-resolution imagery, 3D photogrammetry, and supported the documentation of artefacts, contributing to ongoing efforts to research and preserve one of the world’s most historically significant shipwrecks.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 30-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Saab has highlighted the role of its Seaeye Lynx subsea vehicle in the detailed survey and documentation of the San José, an 18th-century galleon regarded as one of Colombia’s most important underwater cultural heritage sites. The operation formed part of a broader national effort to study and preserve a historically significant shipwreck located deep beneath the Caribbean Sea.

The San José, which sank in 1708 off the coast of Colombia during the War of the Spanish Succession, is often described as the “Holy Grail of shipwrecks” due to its historical, cultural, and archaeological value. As one of the last galleons of the Spanish Indies trade, the vessel represents a critical chapter in maritime and colonial history.

Cannon and coins by the San José galeon – copyright Colombian Navy

Operated by the Colombian Navy, Saab’s Seaeye Lynx was deployed in multiple deep-sea missions to survey the wreck at a depth of approximately 600 metres. The remotely operated vehicle captured high-resolution imagery and enabled the creation of detailed three-dimensional photogrammetry models, providing researchers with an unprecedented visual record of the site.

In addition to visual documentation, the missions supported the recovery and cataloguing of selected artefacts, including a cannon, gold coins, Chinese porcelain cups, and sediment samples. These materials are being analysed further to support archaeological research and long-term conservation planning, while ensuring the integrity and protection of the site.

Saab Seaeye’s Lynx platform is widely used internationally for subsea inspection and survey tasks, particularly in demanding offshore and deep-water environments. Its deployment at the San José site demonstrates how established industrial subsea technology can be adapted to support complex scientific and archaeological objectives.

According to Saab, the project underscores the growing role of advanced underwater robotics in cultural heritage preservation. By enabling precise, non-intrusive exploration at extreme depths, the Seaeye Lynx contributes to expanding knowledge of underwater history while supporting responsible stewardship of sensitive archaeological sites.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 27,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

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SOURCE: Saab