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

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

Dubbed "Svaelget 2" by archaeologists, the wreck represents a cog, a type of merchant ship characterized by a wide, flat bottom, high sides, an open cargo hold, and a square sail. The ship's original name is unknown.

The discovery provides valuable information about medieval shipbuilding techniques and trade routes in the Baltic Sea region. Cogs were essential for transporting goods throughout Northern Europe during the Hanseatic League era. The size of Svaelget 2 suggests a significant capacity for cargo, potentially indicating the scale of trade operations at the time.

Further investigation of the shipwreck is planned to recover artifacts and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ship's construction, cargo, and crew. The Viking Ship Museum is involved in the ongoing research and documentation of the site. The find highlights the importance of underwater archaeology in uncovering historical maritime activities and the potential for future discoveries in the region.