Baltic Sea Shipwreck Yields Champagne, Mineral Water and Meteorites Destined for Russian Czar

A shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, discovered by Polish divers in 2024, has been identified as a vessel carrying luxury goods destined for Russian Czar Alexander II. The cargo includes hundreds of bottles of Louis Roederer Champagne, Selters mineral water, Davenport porcelain, Villeroy & Boch ceramics, scientific instruments, and rare meteorites. Research led by diver Pawel Truszynski suggests the ship sank in 1856 or 1857 while traveling from Hamburg to St. Petersburg, shortly after the Crimean War. The cargo is believed to be a gift from Adolf, Duke of Nassau, to Alexander II, intended to restore diplomatic and commercial ties. The wreck was found by Truszynski and Marek Cacaj during a Baltictech expedition. Key evidence includes a Selters bottle stamp dating between 1836 and 1866, a Louis Roederer Champagne cork identifying an 1857 vintage, and a Davenport plate stamped 1856. The team is awaiting Swedish permission for a third dive to find the ship's bell and meteorites, which could confirm the vessel's identity and unlock insurance records.