Gustaf Adolf

Latitude: 60 0.0000

Longitude: 24 0.0000

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Max depth: 24,9 m

Water: Brackish

Comment: The wreck was found 1995 during sonar research carried out by the navy. Extensive marine archaeological research was carried out. The wreck is very badly destroyed and no insignia has been found. However there is extensive evidence and findings to conclude that this must be the wreck of the “Kronprins Gustaf Adolf” that is known to have sank at this location 6th August 1788. “Kronprins Gustaf Adolf” was a ship of the line built 1784 at Karlskrona according to drawings made by Fredrik Henrik af Chapman. It was a huge sailing ship, length 50 m, width 13,6 m. It carried 62 cannons and had a crew of 567 men. The ship was part of the Swedish naval forces led by the king Gustaf III used in the war against Russian empire during 1788 to 1790. On 6th August 1788 the ship was in anchor near the sea fortress of Sveaborg when the Russian navy approached. Other Swedish ships managed to escape, but this ship had problems in departing and finally it sailed on rocks and suffered great damage. The ship had to surrender to the Russians. The Russians took the crew as prisoners of war, pludered the ship of all valuables and set the ship on fire. Then the ship exploded and sank. Now the badly damaged wreck lies at the bottom at a depth of 20 m. On the summer of 2000 the wreck site was made an underwater museum. There is a guide line around it with guiding signage that explains all the visible details. There are 69 cannons and 2 large anchors and a lot of small details to be seen. It is a popular dive site and entry is free for all.