Centuries-old catastrophe discovered by CMM archaeologists

During archaeological works on the Motława and Martwa Wisła rivers, as part of the Gdynia Maritime Office’s investments including the deepening of waterways and reconstruction of part of the wharf, a very interesting find was made. During the exploration of one of the shipwrecks found by the workers of the Polish Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, they came across another one from the same period. Traces on both vessels suggest that they sank as a result of a collision with each other.

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During thepenetration of the wreck of the burdyne and preparations for its extraction from the bottom, we came across the bow of a large Vistula ship. By comparing this structural element of the hull with similar ones, including one found in the Vistula near Sandomierz, we came to the conclusion that we are dealing with the wreck of a dubas or a schooner from the 17th or 18th century. So, the burdock and the second ship come from the same period. The first one has a perfectly preserved bow section, but its left side is half damaged and it seems to be broken. The damage to the burdyne and its sinking may have occurred after the bow was hit by a heavy boat loaded with grain. Apart from the bow, a small fragment of a second wreck protrudes from the sandy bottom. It lies at a depth of 7 metres, under a two-metre layer of sand, and its examination would require an expensive desludging. We do not yet have any decisions regarding itfrom the investor or the conservatory services.– Dr Waldemar Ossowski from CMM reports.

Preparations are now under way to raise the vessel, which will be carefully measured and examined before being recommended back to the bottom of the Gulf of Gdansk. The sea water, in which the wreck has rested for the last few centuries, will protect it from decay and destruction.

At that time, bourdinis were the main means of unloading ships and discharging goods in the port. Burdyns were such a numerous and popular means of unloading that there was also a Brotherhood of Burdynists. Despite their enormous popularity, not a single specimen of the burdyne has survived to this day.

To this day, no plans or other accurate images of the brothels have survived to enable us to learn about their construction. The one we are investigating is the first one found in Poland. Therefore, we have a unique opportunity to learn the details of its construction – adds Dr. Ossowski.

Source: dziennikbaltycki.pl
Photo: Waldemar Ossowski