MMT is surveying the area in which a prized 16th century warship was recently discovered. MMT’s M/V Askholmen & Triad are currently being used to support further research and investigation of this historical wreck which lies 70m below the surface of the Baltic Sea.

In 1564, Swedish warship Mars met its lonely fate at the bottom of the Baltic where it has since remained – until now. Deep Sea Productions along with Ocean Discovery, MARIS and Sjöhistoriska museet are working onboard MMT’s survey vessels and are investigating this valuable piece of archeological evidence. The investigation is underway north of Öland where a major naval battle took place between Sweden and the allied forces of the German state of Lübeck and Denmark.

Once the largest warship ever built, the Mars sank in battle against the Danish and Lübeck fleet in 1564 and is both larger and older than the famous Vasa of 1628. Although the ship’s bow was destroyed in battle, the rest of ship is remarkably intact after 448 years underwater and is filled with valuable artifacts. Such artifacts include the remnants of the tools and utensils used by the ca. 600 sailors aboard as well as hundreds of bronze cannons, silver coins, and other remains of intense naval warfare.

By using Kongsberg EM2040D, MMT was able to produce the highest quality and most comprehensive data to support this project. Not only has MMT participated in this historical discovery, but this expedition was also granted an honorary visit by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf. His Majesty took part in the project by visiting aboard MMT’s M/V Askholmen on July 12th, 2012.

Subsea World News Staff , July 25, 2012; Image: MMT