Astonishingly Preserved Intact Shipwreck From 15th Century Discovered, Scientists Say 'It's Like It Sank Yesterday'

For centuries, the depths of the ocean have hidden several mysteries, preserving the remnants of lost civilizations and forgotten voyages. Shipwrecks have always garnered the attention of historians and archaeologists alike, offering a sneak peek into the old days and unlocking secrets of seafaring eras, stated the University of Southampton. While numerous wrecks have been found in several states of decay, the latest discovery in the Baltic Sea has left the scientists too stunned to speak.

This 500-year-old vessel, surprisingly well-preserved, is an unparalleled archaeological treasure that highlights details of the maritime history of the Renaissance. In what experts are calling a  "once-in-a-lifetime discovery," an international team of scientists, including maritime archaeologists from the University of Southampton, has unraveled the remains of an intact  Early Modern Period shipwreck. Sitting in the cold deep waters of the Baltic Sea, this vessel, believed to date back to the late 15th or early 16th century, is in a condition so good that researchers quip it seems like it sank yesterday. The ship noted as Okänt Skepp, or 'Unknown Ship,' was first discovered in 2009 by the  Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) using sonar technology, stated Science Alert.

However, it was only after a seafloor survey organized by maritime specialists MMT, that the full prominence of the wreck was realized. Dr. Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz, a maritime archaeologist (one who was leading the hunt) shared, "This ship is contemporary to the times of Christopher Columbus and Leonardo Da Vinci, yet it demonstrates a remarkable level of preservation after five hundred years at the bottom of the sea, thanks to the cold, brackish waters of the Baltic…It’s almost like it sank yesterday – masts in place and hull intact. Still on the main deck is an incredibly rare find – the tender boat, used to ferry crew to and from the ship, leaning against the main mast. It’s a truly astonishing sight," stated The New York Post.

The ship’s structure surprisingly remains pristine, with little to no damage. This small ferrying vessel, believed to be used by the crew to travel between the ship and shore, is an incredibly rare find. Pacheco-Ruiz further noted, "We know it's the oldest shipwreck in the Baltic. There's no other ship in the world of this period like this. We have older ships but they are only timbers or metal - we never have a ship like this with masts and anchors…It's game-changing because of the period it pertains to. I think it's important to flesh out the collaboration between universities and the commercial sector - in the past, it has always been done like treasure hunting crews or people who don't understand cultural heritage," stated Science Alert.

The near-perfect state of preservation is credited to the Baltic Sea’s unique environmental conditions. Its cold, low-oxygen, and slightly salty waters have contributed to its slow decay. Pacheco-Ruiz gushed, "This is a very unique find…Knowing more about the ship will only come with further study – we have plans to go back and conduct a scientific study of the hull remains to date it more accurately," stated The New York Post.