Sunken 400-year-old ship found in near perfect condition under Baltic Sea
An almost-intact 400-year-old ship has been accidentally discovered by divers in the Baltic Sea.
It was found just 85 metres below the surface with its hull showing little sign of damage after a collision with a fishing trawler.
The ship suffered only minor damage after a collision with a trawler. (Badewanne) Supplied
The vessel is believed to be a 17th-century Dutch 'Fluit' ship - one of many that once sailed the waters.
It was discovered by the Badewanne Diving Team, a group of volunteer divers in Finland, who stumbled across the ship while searching the mouth of the Gulf of Finland for World War I and World War II wrecks.
Wooden wrecks can only survive in a few places in the world and the Baltic Sea has perfect conditions.
The hull of the ship was found almost intact. (Badewanne) Supplied
The water's low salinity, absolute darkness and very low temperatures have protected this 'Fluit' ship from being destroyed by chemical, biochemical and biological decay,
It has also protected the vessel from wood-boring organisms which cannot live in such conditions.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
