Vasa was found at the bottom of the Baltic Sea, weighing more than 1,200 tons, equipped with an arsenal of 64 cannons.

Vasa was a warship of the Swedish navy. In August 1682, the ship made its first departure, but sank 30 minutes later, taking with it nearly 40 pᴀssengers, family members and crew.

The Vasa warship was 226 feet long, 164 feet high, weighed more than 1,200 tons and was equipped with an arsenal of 64 cannons. This ship was considered the most elite warship at that time. Hundreds of elaborate carvings on the hull along with 100 tons of bracing to keep the ship balanced. Scientists believe that the overloaded weight was also a reason why the ship sank to the bottom of the sea.

The Vasa warship was seemingly forgotten for centuries until 1961, when it was found after more than 200 years at the bottom of the sea.

The ship was restored in the mid-20th century. Scientists believe that the low temperature and pollution environment helped protect the ship’s wood from UV rays and decomposing bacteria. After being brought to the surface, the ship’s wood was maintained to reduce the process of termite damage.

Currently, the Vasa warship is on display and welcomes visitors at the museum in Stockholm. To date, the ship is more than 300 years old, almost completely retaining its original shape and beauty, becoming one of the best preserved ships in the world.