A team of Polish divers has stumbled upon a 19th-century shipwreck in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, found off the coast of Sweden, was brimming with a treasure trove of luxury items, including a surprising cargo.
As the divers explored the wreck, they uncovered a fascinating glimpse into the past, with the ship’s contents offering tantalizing clues about its origins and destination. The find has sparked excitement among researchers eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding this long-lost piece of maritime history.
A Serendipitous Find
The Baltictech diving team, led by Tomasz Stachura, was exploring the depths of the Baltic Sea when they came across the wreck. Initially hesitant to investigate what appeared to be a mere fishing boat, two determined divers, Marek Cacaj and Pawel Truszynski, decided to take a closer look. Little did they know, they were about to uncover a treasure trove of historical significance.
The wreck was discovered approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Swedish island of Öland, outside of Polish territorial waters, at a depth of about 190 feet. Despite the wreck’s age, estimated to be from the mid-19th century, it was found to be in remarkably good condition, with only the bow showing some wear.
A Cargo Fit for Royalty
As the divers explored the wreck, they were astonished to find it loaded with crates of champagne, wine, mineral water, and porcelain.(ref) The cargo was so abundant that the team struggled to estimate the exact quantities.
Among the items were around 100 bottles of champagne, believed to be from the renowned Louis Roederer label, which has been producing special, extra-sweet champagne for the Russian imperial court since 1876.
The divers also discovered approximately 100 sealed clay bottles of Selters mineral water, a German brand highly esteemed in the 19th century and often reserved for royal tables.(ref) Mineral water was treated almost like medicine during this period and was so valuable that transports were often escorted by police.
The pottery factory that bottled the Selters water is still in operation today, and the Baltictech team is in contact with them to gather more historical information.
Based on the design of the bottle stamps and with the help of historians, the divers have determined that the shipment was likely produced between 1850 and 1867. The exclusivity of the cargo has led the team to believe that it may have been destined for Tsar Alexander II of Russia, which could significantly enhance its value.
Preserving History
The pristine condition of the bottles, preserved in the cold, dark depths of the Baltic Sea, has raised hopes that the champagne may still be drinkable. The team has reached out to the French champagne house to determine the value and potential drinkability of the bottles.
Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey suggests that as long as the corks have not been affected by seawater, the champagne should be “good to go” due to the ideal storage conditions at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.
While the discovery is undoubtedly exciting, retrieving the champagne may take some time due to regulatory constraints. The wreck lies approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Swedish island of Öland, outside of Polish territorial waters.
The Baltictech team is working alongside Dutch marine data firm MARIS, Södertörn University in Sweden, and Professor Johan Rönnby, who supervises Swedish underwater research, to establish protocols for future exploration of the wreck.
The Road Ahead
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) is responsible for coordinating investigations and the recovery of environmentally hazardous substances from shipwrecks in Swedish waters.
While this particular wreck does not appear to pose an immediate environmental threat, it is essential to follow proper protocols and work with the relevant authorities to ensure the safe and responsible exploration of this historical treasure.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.