Near the coastline of Copenhagen, archaeologists uncovered a sunken vessel approximately 600 years old. According to maritime archaeologists from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, this is the largest screw ship known to date. The vessel, designated Svælget 2, rested at a depth of about 13 meters in the Øresund strait.
During the examinations, specialists conducted 289 dives and meticulously studied the hull, which remained in very good condition. Scientists estimate the ship could have carried up to 300 tons of cargo. Its length was around 28 meters, the width nine meters, and the height about six meters.
During the excavation, artifacts of the crew’s daily existence were discovered, including footwear, a comb, a pot, and a wooden tray. These findings offer insights into the sailors’ lives aboard.
Similar medieval screw trading ships were widely employed in Northern Europe, enabling the transport of timber, bricks, and foodstuffs with a minimal crew.
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