MBT Swedish galleon "Wasa" (1628) - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 162 (10.01.002)

The Swedish galleon Wasa was a famous warship that sank in 1628 during its maiden voyage. The ship was built under the command of King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden and was designed as an imposing vessel to strengthen the Swedish navy. It was one of the largest and most advanced warships of its time, with two decks full of cannons.

The ship was designed by the architect Hans von Lode and built in the shipyards of Stockholm. It was 69 metres long and had an impressive armament of 64 cannons. The Wasa ship was built to be a powerful symbol of Swedish might and was intended for the wars Sweden waged in the 17th century.

The Sinking of the Wasa

The ship made its maiden voyage on 10 August 1628. During the journey, just a few kilometres from the port of Stockholm, the ship became overloaded by its own weight, caused by the excessive number of cannons on the upper decks and insufficient stability. With a light wind, the ship began to list, allowing water to flow in through the gunports. Within minutes, the ship sank to the bottom of the sea, with tragic consequences for the crew; approximately 30 of the 150 crew members perished.

The Recovery of the Wasa

The Wasa remained on the seabed for almost 333 years until it was salvaged in 1961. After being raised from the sea, the ship was restored and can now be seen in the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. The ship is one of the best-preserved 17th-century vessels and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

The story of the Wasa is one of the most famous shipwrecks in maritime history, both because of the dramatic event of its sinking and the incredible restoration the ship has undergone.

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