Polish Divers Discover Historic Shipwreck Off Sweden's Coast
- A 19th-century shipwreck has been uncovered in the Baltic Sea, revealing crates of unopened champagne.
- The shipwreck offers insights into maritime history and trade practices of the time.
- This discovery adds to the intrigue of underwater archaeology and historical preservation efforts.
A team of Polish divers from Baltictech has uncovered a remarkable shipwreck off the coast of Sweden, revealing a treasure trove of champagne, mineral water, and porcelain. Tomasz Stachura, the diving team leader, expressed his astonishment at the find, noting that the wreck contained approximately 100 bottles, a rarity in his 40 years of diving experience. The discovery was made while the team was exploring new underwater sites, initially without expectations of finding anything significant. Among the notable items recovered were sealed clay bottles of Selters mineral water, a prestigious German brand historically reserved for royal tables and known for its medicinal qualities. The brand has been bottled for over 800 years, originating from a mineral spring in Selters, Hesse, Germany. Diver Marek Cacaj highlighted the importance of the find, showcasing the stamped brand name on the clay bottles, which dates the shipment to between 1850 and 1867. The wreck, located approximately 20 nautical miles south of Öland, has been reported to Swedish regional authorities. However, the extraction of the cargo will be delayed due to administrative restrictions. Stachura emphasized the importance of careful planning, suggesting that the artifacts can remain undisturbed for another year while the team prepares for the operation. In collaboration with Dutch marine data company MARIS and Södertörn University, the divers aim to establish guidelines for future explorations of the wreck, ensuring that this significant historical find is preserved and studied appropriately.