19th century shipwreck leads to a champagne and mineral water treasure

A group of Polish divers announced on Thursday, July 25, that they had discovered champagne bottles within the wreckage of a 19th century ship off of the coast of Sweden in the Baltic Sea. The group of technical divers, who are part of the group BalticTech said they estimate the ship's wreckage contains more than 100 bottles of champagne as well as wine, mineral water and porcelain bottles.

BalticTech researchers said that they found the wreckage through sonar and initially thought it was a fishing boat . However, after a two-hour dive by two members of the team, they knew it was something of more significance below. The divers had discovered a 19th century sailing ship in "very good condition."

The team said that perhaps the most valuable find — or one of the most valuable item during the 19th century — was the mineral water. Researchers said that the water was used for medicinal purposes during the 19th century. The water was believed to cure ailments and possess healing qualities.

The divers said that they came across around 100 bottles of Selters water, which is made by a German company that is still around today. The stamps on the bottles indicate that the product on the ship was made between 1850 and 1867.

BalticTech also said that the pottery factory that created the bottles the water was held in is still around too. Researchers said that they are in contact with the factory to find out more details about its origins.

The wreckage lies "dozens of miles south of Sweden and outside of Polish territorial and economic waters," according to the BalticTech team . The group said that it is in touch with the #MARIS Foundation, Södertörn University and with Professor Johan Rönnby, who is reportedly "in charge of all underwater research in Sweden."

"We have guidelines on how to proceed now and be able to explore the wreck together in the future," a press release read .

BalticTech said that it will try to provide more information about the ship wreckage research at the 2024 BalticTech Conference in November. Right now, the group has a 3D model of the ship that can be viewed here .

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