19th-Century Champagne Found On Swedish Shipwreck Declared Off-Limits

Polish scuba divers discovered the wreck on July 11, lying approximately 58 meters (190 feet) off the shore of Blekinge.

Despite having been registered with Sweden’s National Antiquities Office since 2016, the valuable cargo was just recently discovered by divers exploring areas of interest 37 kilometers (20 nautical miles) south of Oeland Island in the Baltic Sea.

Wine and water experts have shown an interest in conducting laboratory testing on the contents of the bottles.

However, Swedish officials have intervened, designating the wreckage as “an ancient relic” that requires strict protection to preserve its historical significance.

Magnus Johansson, a county official, emphasized the need to preserve the ship’s integrity, stating, “You must not damage the ancient remains, which also includes taking items from the wreck, e.g., champagne bottles, without permission from the county.

Although the wreck dates from the latter half of the 19th century and was not built before 1850, it is not automatically classified as an ancient relic, but local authorities have acknowledged its cultural and historical significance.

Daniel Tedenlind, a county official in Kalmar, recognized the wreck’s high status, which is currently being considered for official protection.

Diver Tomasz Stachura believes that the cargo may have been intended for the royal court in Stockholm or the Russian tsar’s residence in St. Petersburg when the ship sank.

The well-preserved discovery provides a unique glimpse into late-nineteenth-century maritime life and shipping activities.

Reference: AP

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