Why did the Vasa sink?

The Vasa was top-heavy with insufficient ballast and too many heavy cannons on upper decks. On August 10, 1628, a gust of wind caused the ship to heel over and water entered through open gun ports. It sank within minutes of leaving Stockholm harbor, killing 30-50 people.

How was the Vasa preserved so well?

The cold, brackish water of Stockholm harbor lacks the shipworm (teredo navalis) that normally destroys wooden ships. The low salinity and darkness preserved the wood for over 300 years. After salvage, the ship was treated with polyethylene glycol for 17 years.

Vasa Museum in Stockholm

The Vasa Museum displays the Vasa, a 17th-century Swedish warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged 333 years later in 1961. It is the worlds only preserved 17th-century ship and the most visited museum in Scandinavia. The massive vessel is 95% original and includes ornate carvings, over 500 sculptures, and six sails. Exhibitions tell the story of life aboard, why the ship sank, and how it was recovered. The museum is purpose-built around this remarkable time capsule.