April 22, 2011
In August 1628, the royal warship Vasa capsized during her maiden voyage and was brought to the surface three centuries later.
In 1625, Vasa was commissioned by Sweden’s King Gustav II Adolf to become the core warship of a new larger fleet. Unfortunately, Vasa sank and has no chance to sail through waters again.
Sinking 105 feet to the bottom of the sea, approximately 30-50 men went down with Vasa grand ship (as cited at ttp://www.thehistoryblog.com). Although it is only 390 feet from the shore, it is hopeless to get Vasa back to the surface.
There were efforts to find someone who should be responsible for the event. However, there is little headway.
In 1956, many parties discussed the issue and tried to figure out how to rescue the sunk Vasa and preserve the wreck. Vasa was eventually raised after multiple lifts between 1959 and 1961 (as cited at http://www.thehistoryblog.com).
In 1961, thousands of audience as well as countless television viewers witnessed Vasa warship reached the surface.
Found items included cutlery, coins, tools, weapons, clothing, canons, food, drink as well as six of the ten sails. These artifacts are priceless. This is not to mention the wrecked Vasa. At least, 15 people were also found in the ship.
Sweden's 17th century royal warship Vasa, which sank in 1628 and was brought to the surface three centuries later, began undergoing a major refurbishment on April 21, 2011.
