REGALSKEPPET VASA
Regalskeppet Vasa means “Ship of His Majesty Vasa” (Vasa was the name of the house that ruled Sweden at the time).
The construction work on the ship Vasa began in 1626, and about two years later, on August 10, 1628, there was the inauguration and with it also the end of her because she sank on the same day: 40 people out of 130 died.
THE CAUSES
The carpenter in charge of building the ship fell ill and died, leaving the responsibility to his family and inexperienced workers. What made the situation worse was the pressure from the king, on the job, who couldn't wait to find his finished project. Furthermore, the ship was too long for its width, which made it difficult to maintain good flotation.
THE FINDING
The ship was found practically intact (1961), after 333 years, thanks both to the temperature of the lagoon water, free of the "ship worm" that feeds on wood and to the quality of the oak wood, suitable for lasting contact with the water.
Today the specimen is in the Stockholm museum.
The construction work on the ship Vasa began in 1626, and about two years later, on August 10, 1628, there was the inauguration and with it also the end of her because she sank on the same day: 40 people out of 130 died.
THE CAUSES
The carpenter in charge of building the ship fell ill and died, leaving the responsibility to his family and inexperienced workers. What made the situation worse was the pressure from the king, on the job, who couldn't wait to find his finished project. Furthermore, the ship was too long for its width, which made it difficult to maintain good flotation.
THE FINDING
The ship was found practically intact (1961), after 333 years, thanks both to the temperature of the lagoon water, free of the "ship worm" that feeds on wood and to the quality of the oak wood, suitable for lasting contact with the water.
Today the specimen is in the Stockholm museum.