The Shipwreck aka The Champagne Schooner

Sometime during the last decades of the 18th century or the first decades of the 19th century a ship is headed east across the Baltic Sea but never reaches its final destination.

In 2003 The Finnish Maritime Administration using multibeam sonar discovers what looks to be a shipwreck. The indication from the sonar is recorded but the existence of the wreck remains unconfirmed until the summer of 2010 when divers onboard the diving vessel Pagi on a diving expedition to the Åland Islands explore the location. Much to their surprise they discover a well-preserved shipwreck and towards the end of the dive they uncover what seems to be a large amount of well preserved champagne bottles.

During July to September additional dives are conducted to explore the ship and its cargo. Among the additional findings were the world’s oldest beer.

Source: http://www.museum.ax/museum/champagnegaleasen_film.pbs

The following is know about the ship so far:

Name: TBA, however the ship is being branded as The Champagne Schooner.Location: In the Baltic Sea south of the municipality of Föglö in the Åland archipelago.

Depth: ~ 40-50 m

Type of ship: Carvel-built, two-masted schooner with a circa 21.5 m (70.5 ft) long and 6.5 m (21 ft) broad hull.

Age: Not yet known. Telling by the construction of the ship and the items found onboard the ship is estimated to be about 200 years old. Using dendrochronology it will be possible to more exactly specify the age of the ship.

Condition: The ship is standing on its keel with two intact masts. The hull is almost intact however very fragile. The transom is missing from the stern.

Items found: A remarkably intact brick stove with cooking pot. In addition to the stove navigational instruments, plates, a kettle, two octants, a ceramic vessel, and porcelain was found.

Diveability: Diving restrictions have been adopted by the local government and are in effect until 31 December 2010.

Source: http://www.museum.ax/museum/champagnegaleasen_in_english.pbs

Photos of the Shipwreck

Click on the images to see full version and credits.