Ancient warship discovered

From Deep Sea Production


A successful expedition has resulted in the discovery of an ancient warship. It is believed to be Svärdet (The Sword), a ship that went under in 1676.

A successful expedition, led by Deep Sea Productions founder Carl Douglas, has resulted in the discovery of an ancient warship off the island of Öland in Southern Sweden.

It is believed to be Svärdet, a ship that went under in 1676. It is one of two giant ships that were lost in the largest naval battle in the history of the Baltic Sea, when “great power” Sweden was defeated by a Danish-Dutch fleet.

The other ship, Kronan, was discovered in 1981. The research of that ship has yielded more than 30 000 archaeological artefacts, many of which are displayed at the Kalmar County Museum.

The two episode series “Tall Ships at War” will provide a new understanding and insight into the fascinating story of how the first sailing warships were made and used in naval battles.

A team of world leading scientists takes us on a journey to an era when these ships were the most advanced technological devises ever made.

Technical deep diving in the chilly Baltic Sea adds an element of adventure. Advanced under water survey equipment and CGI will help the viewer understand the magnificence, prowess and shortcomings in warfare. Period reenactments and witness accounts add a crucial human element to the stories.

2011 will go down in the history of maritime archaeology as incredible. In the space of a few weeks, two of the most coveted wrecks from the era of great, wooden war ships were discovered. In fact the first two wooden ships ever discovered that were lost in battle; now resting on the bottom of the sea with important portions still intact; huge guns still protruding from the gun-ports; remnants of epic naval battles that shaped European history.

Mars. (a k a Makalös – Eng. Matchless). Built in 1561 for the first Swedish hereditary king, Erik XIV, she was the largest ship in the Baltic Sea: approximately 70 meters long weighing about 1000 tons. With more than 150 guns and cannon, she had more firepower than any warship before her. After an explosion on board, she went down in her first battle against a Danish fleet aided by ships from the German city of Lübeck. Discovered by Ocean Discovery.

Svärdet. (Eng. The Sword) A legendary tall ship, built in 1642, also one of the largest warships of its day. A prime example of richly decorated “gaudy” ships, built largely to impress the enemy. Svärdet was lost in the largest naval battle in the Baltic, off the island of Öland.

She was set afire by a Dutch ship after having held her own for almost five hours. The commander, admiral Claes Uggla, chose to go under with his ship, rather than surrender to the enemy. Discovered by Deep Sea Productions.