Divers in the Baltic Sea made a surprising discovery when they stumbled upon a 19th-century sailing ship loaded with champagne, wine, mineral water, and porcelain. The shipwreck, located about 20 nautical miles south of the Aland Islands between Sweden and Finland, was described as a ‘treasure’ by the Polish diving group Baltitech.
The team believes that the shipment could have been intended for Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, who reportedly lost a ship in the same area in 1852. Despite initial doubts, two divers decided to explore the wreck and found crates filled with bottles of alcohol and baskets of water in clay containers. These clay bottles helped date the shipment to between 1850 and 1867, providing clues about the ship’s ownership.
The discovery of about 100 sealed bottles of champagne and baskets of mineral water highlights the preciousness of these items during that time. Mineral water was considered a valuable commodity and was treated almost like medicine, often making its way to royal tables. The team also mentioned that the champagne and mineral water found in the wreck could still be drinkable today.
Although the treasure remains underwater for now, underwater archaeologists have been called in to assist with the recovery process. Swedish authorities have been notified, and administrative work needs to be completed before the items can be brought to the surface. This discovery is not the first of its kind in the Baltic Sea, as in 2010, diving instructor Christian Ekstrom and his team found around 30 bottles of champagne from the 1780s on a sunken ship near the Aland Islands.
The excitement surrounding this find showcases the rich history and secrets that lie beneath the surface of the Baltic Sea. The well-preserved cargo offers a glimpse into the past and provides valuable insights into maritime trade and transportation during the 19th century. As the recovery process unfolds, researchers and historians will continue to unravel the mysteries of this champagne-filled shipwreck, shedding light on a bygone era of seafaring adventures.