Swedish archaeologists study 15th-century warship wreck

Swedish archaeologists are closely examining a medieval shipwreck lying on the bed of the Landfjärden Strait near Häringe Castle, south of Stockholm. The research team has named the ship "Vrak 5" (Wreck 5) and says it is the oldest warship found so far.

Dating and construction technique

The wreck was spotted in the 19th century along with four other wrecks in the strait. In February 2025, the team dated Vrak 5 to the 1480s, and possibly the 1460s. According to scientists, the ship was built with the "carvel" technique, in which planks are joined edge to edge. This made the hull sturdier and suited to carrying heavy artillery at sea.

This is the first ship built using the carvel technique in the Baltic Sea. It is a very large ship; during its service it is estimated to have been 40 to 45 metres long.

Hakan Altrock, Project Manager at the Swedish Wreck Museum

Cause of sinking unclear

Why the ship sank at this spot remains unclear. According to the research team, 19th-century records mention a fire on board.