A 17th-century Swedish Navy shipwreck that lay hidden beneath the Baltic Sea for nearly four centuries is now visible above the waterline, offering a rare glimpse into maritime history. The wooden planks of the well-preserved hull have since early February begun to peek out from Kastellholmen Island in central Stockholm.
Marine archaeologist Jim Hansson, from Stockholm’s Vrak – Museum of Wrecks, explained that experts believe this vessel was sunk around 1640 as a foundation for a new bridge. After serving its navy purpose, the ship was likely deliberately discarded to facilitate construction work on Kastellholmen.
Hansson pointed out, “We have a shipwreck here which was intentionally placed by the Swedish Navy to serve as a base for a future bridge project.” He added, “By using the ship’s oak hull, we can construct this bridge without needing fresh wood.”
Standing beside the newly exposed wreck, Hansson observed proudly, “The Baltic Sea has never been so low in over 100 years. The water level is at its lowest, which makes visibility of the shipwreck unprecedented.”
“The pressure patterns around our region have created unusual conditions,” he explained further. “This prolonged area of high-pressure weather pushed most of the Baltic’s waters into the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, leading to unusually shallow waters along our coast.”
Recent research titled “The Lost Navy” is underway to locate and date other Swedish naval shipwrecks across the region. This effort complements ongoing discoveries such as an ancient shipwreck containing weapons and armor found in 2024.
Recently, divers unearthed a trove of exquisite champagne and wine on another shipwreck off Sweden’s coast, where these artifacts are now officially classified as restricted for public display due to their historical and cultural significance.
In October 2022, Swedish archaeologists made history by finding the sister ship of the legendary 17th-century Vasa warship. This vessel was salvaged from its watery grave in the ocean only to be exhibited at a museum since the 1960s. The discovery underscores the ongoing efforts and interest in uncovering these significant historical artifacts.
The latest find promises more tales of Sweden’s maritime past, highlighting the country’s rich nautical heritage and its continuing role as a gateway for trade across Europe and beyond.