Wasa (Vasa)

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Wasa

The ship was built in 1628 to serve under King Adolphus of Sweden. His rivalry with Poland incited him to build the biggest and best warship of the time. With little knowledge of shipbuilding, he suggested two rows of gun decks, which made the ship top heavy and unstable.

Within minutes of being launched (and with a full crew and several dignitaries on board), a sudden gust of wind blew the ship to one side and she took on water through her open gun ports. She turned to her other side, continued taking water, and sank before crossing Stockholm bay.

In 1961, the Wasa was recovered from the bay floor and is currently on display in the Wasa museum in Stockholm.