Failed Legacy of Sweden's Vasa Ship
What Is It - Picture the following scene, a $6 billion brand new nuclear powered aircraft carrier built in Newport News, Virginia is being dedicated at a dockside ceremony attended by the President of the United States along with admirals and allies from around the world. After appropriate speeches and a Navy jet flyover, the ship edges away from the pier and proceeds out into the harbor with 2,000 sailors, laser weapons, and 75 jets lined up on deck. Accompanied by a flotilla of fire boats and other Navy vessels, it leaves the harbor and begins to head out to the sea. After traveling less than 2 miles, the carrier suddenly begins to list to port, then lists some more, tips over and sinks to the bottom in 300 feet of water in just a few minutes. The Navy responds quickly, but the ship is a total loss. All of its advanced weapons disappear and over 1,000 sailors are killed. A shocked nation watching on TV and smart phones look for an answer while recriminations mount between military and civilian authorities.
This modern example is just a story, but 400 years ago that is what happened to Sweden’s Vasa warship as it sank in Stockholm Bay just a few thousand feet from shore as thousands looked on. Sweden is a modern nation of 10 million people today known for its Viking heritage, business efficiency, stoic outlook and neutrality in affairs of state. Few Americans recall that during the 17th Century, Sweden dominated northern Europe through the military and diplomatic successes of the Protestant monarch, Gustavus Adolphus, and his successors.
“After traveling less than 2 miles, the carrier suddenly begins to list to port, then lists some more, tips over and sinks to the bottom in 300 feet of water in just a few minutes.”
As the country grew to dominate the Baltic region, the need for a stronger navy and a flagship led King Adolphus to commission the construction of a new vessel by the royal shipyard in order to intimidate rival powers in the Polish-Lithuanian Empire, Denmark and Russia. The King approved a 75 yard long ship decorated with sculptures and containing 64 huge bronze cannons to be manned by 175 sailors and 300 soldiers. He named it the Vasa which means king or royalty in Latin. The country had no idea that the name would become synonymous with hubris and failure, rather than military glory.
For years after the Vasa disaster, people wondered whether bad design, bad seamanship, or bad luck sealed its fate. Most critics focused on the apparent imbalance created by the Vasa's narrow width, tall stern, and numerous cannon openings along both sides. Nevertheless, the resulting investigations were inconclusive. After salvaging some cannons, memories faded about the ill-fated vessel.
Hundreds of years later, the Vasa was found almost completely intact in Stockholm harbor, preserved by the cold waters which prevented word boring worms from destroying the decks. Raised from bottom, the ship was slowly restored and placed into the climate controlled museum. Viewing the ship in the museum is a worthwhile experience. The size and height of the vessel are striking, as are the numerous gun emplacements along her sides. There are many displays which provide background information on the history of the era, the construction of the vessel, and reports on its demise. When you see hundreds of schoolchildren and tourists admiring the vessel, it reminds you of the legacy of the Titanic, the Battleship Missouri and other vessels which met their fates in unexpected ways but remain close to the hearts of their countrymen.
Interesting Facts - Since opening in 1970, the Museum has attracted almost over 25 million visitors and is one of Scandanavia’s top attractions.
How to Get Here - Stockholm is served by several international airlines and budget carriers including SAS, Norweigian, British Air and KLM with connections to most European hubs. Direct flights from the United States are provided from New York and Chicago on SAS. Once you arrive at Arlanda airport which is located 25 miles out of town, the city center can be reached by an express train known as the Arlanda Express or by the Flygbussarna shuttle bus.
When to Go - Visits to Stockholm are best planned from May to September unless you are seeking a winter experience. The waterfront location of the city can lead to occasional rain and fog even during the summer.
Cost - It costs about $20 US Dollars for an adult admission to the museum but children are free.