Archaeologists recently discovered the wreck of a large medieval cargo ship on the seafloor off the Danish coast, offering new insights into medieval trade and maritime life. The shipwreck, dubbed Svaelget 2, was found during a seabed survey in preparation for a construction project in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The vessel was located 12 meters below the surface of the Øresund, the strait between Denmark and Sweden, lying on its side and partially buried in the sand. Dendrochronological analysis, comparing tree rings from the wreck's wooden planks with dated tree samples, indicated the ship was constructed around 1410 CE.

Svaelget 2 is identified as a cog, a type of merchant ship characterized by a wide, flat-bottomed hull, high sides, an open cargo hold, and a square sail. Cogs were a common type of cargo ship during the medieval period. The ship's original name is unknown.

The discovery provides valuable information about medieval shipbuilding techniques, trade routes, and the economic activities of the time. Further investigation of the wreck and its contents is expected to reveal more details about the ship's cargo, crew, and voyages. The Viking Ship Museum provided the credit for the image of the Skaelget 2 shipwreck.