19th century champagne in Sweden

A recent discovery of a shipwreck off the southern coast of Sweden has revealed nearly 100 bottles of 19th-century Champagne and mineral water, sparking significant interest among historians and divers. The wreck, located about 58 meters deep near Blekinge, was uncovered by Polish scuba divers on July 11, 2023, although its location has been known since 2016. Swedish authorities have classified the wreck as an 'ancient relic', meaning that no items can be removed without proper authorization to preserve its historical integrity. County officials emphasize the need for strong protections, citing the well-preserved nature of the finds as a valuable snapshot of maritime life in the late 19th century. Experts believe the cargo may have been destined for elite locations such as the royal court in Stockholm or the Russian tsar's residence in St. Petersburg. This discovery highlights the importance of responsible exploration and the cultural significance of underwater heritage.