Vrak's maritime archaeologists have discovered several cases where objects appear to have been taken from historical wrecks over the past year. These include ship Riksäpplet and Bodekull in Dalarö.
Tin plate and lead weight at the Riksäpplet site.
The Swedish wrecks known as Bodekull, Riksäpplet and Jutholmsvraket appear to have been affected by suspected archaeological damage in the past year. All three have previously been investigated and documented by Vrak's maritime archaeologists.
Jim Hansson, maritime archaeologist at Vrak, comments on the events:
Our common history is not only on land but also under the surface of the sea. Without ships and boats, history on land would not have looked the way it does, or vice versa. They are connected. However, the cultural heritage below the surface is very neglected compared to on land, which is why it is extra important that we now take action and protect the world-unique cultural heritage that these sites actually constitutes.
At the site of the Riksäpplet, which was blown up to be salvaged for its timber, Vrak and the The Swedish Armed Forces have produced a detailed 3D model. Thanks to it, changes at the site can also be detected. Now, investigations indicate that objects have been excavated and perhaps taken from the site. This also applies to the Bodekull wreck site.
Investigations are therefore planned in the near future together with the Maritime Police, initially at the Bodekull wreck. The County Administrative Board in Stockholm has also been contacted, as it is responsible for all ancient remains.
In 2022, three men were sentenced with a fine for looting shipwrecks off Öland that are protected by law as cultural heritage objects. The verdict was appealed, and the Göta Court of Appeal has now announced that the three men will have their sentences increased to imprisonment.