Shipwreck: F53.3 W-25

Site description

The F53.3 (W-25) wreck constitutes the remains of a 3-mast sailing ship made of oak wood, of over 29 meters in length and 9 meters in width. The estimated capacity (deadweight) of the vessel totals at least 150 lasts (300 tons). The shape of the wreck differs from the most frequently observed underwater archaeological sites of the Gulf of Gdańsk. While in most cases they constitute oval mounds of sand, stones or wooden parts of the structure, in the case of W-25 we have a clear image of the sailing ship structure submerged in the sandy seabed. The bow part protrudes above the seabed at over 1.2 meter and the preserved fragments of ship's sides are situated deeper towards the partially destroyed stern.

The staves of planking laid edge-to-edge (carvel technique) are fastened with the use of treenails of 3 to 3.5cm in diameter. The keelson of three mast seats is 22.17 meters long and in the widest part 38cm wide. Near the bow and stern additional timbers supporting the structure are fastened to the keelson.

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Circumstances of the discovery

The wreck was discovered in 1982 by a diver, engineer Pawłowski.

Location

The object is located to the west of the entrance to the Gdańsk port, at a depth of ca. 3 meters, 280 meters from the coast near Nowy Port.

Course of research

The archaeologists of the CMM began studies of the wreck in 1982. They laid a measuring grid covering the entire site, performed drawings and photographic documentation, and explored the wreck with the use of air ejectors. The archaeologists returned to the site between 1993 and 1995 in order to investigate further the elements of wreck structure and explore the surrounding area. The underwater inventory of the wreck was performed in 2006 and 2015.

Chronology

The vessel was built in 1750s or 1760s. The wood used for construction came from northern Poland.

Artefacts from the shipwreck

More than 1000 objects were recovered from the wreck, including: various fragments of faience tableware, clay pipes, elements of ship’s fittings, sailors’ personal belongings, barrel staves, leather shoes and capstan. In the seat of the main mast a Swedish coin of 1 öre in value was found; the inscription thereon read 1731.