Medieval super ship found off Denmark is largest known cog

Archaeologists found a 600-year-old cog called Svælget 2 in the Øresund near Copenhagen; researchers report it measures about 28 meters by 9 meters and is well preserved, offering new evidence about medieval northern European trade.

Archaeologists uncovered a large medieval shipwreck in the Øresund strait off Copenhagen. The vessel, named Svælget 2 by the research team, is a cog dated to 1410 and measures roughly 28 meters long and 9 meters wide. The wreck was revealed when divers removed centuries of sand and silt during seabed surveys connected to plans for a new artificial island. Researchers report the hull is well preserved and that personal and cooking items were found aboard. Key details: - Location: Øresund (the strait between Denmark and Sweden), about 13 meters (43 feet) below the surface. - Size and type: A cog approximately 28 m long and 9 m wide, described by researchers as the largest known example of this ship type. - Age and dating: Tree-ring analysis dated the vessel to 1410. - Timber origins: Tree-ring comparisons indicate planks came from Poland while the frame was cut in the Netherlands, suggesting cross‑regional timber trade. - Preservation and finds: The starboard side was protected by sand and retained traces of delicate rigging; a brick galley and items such as pots, bowls, hair combs and rosary beads were reported. - Cargo and use: No cargo has been recovered; researchers see no signs of military use and describe the ship as likely a merchant vessel. Summary: The discovery gives researchers a rare, well-preserved example of a large medieval trading vessel and material evidence about construction, rigging and life aboard such ships, as well as links in a northern European timber trade network. Plans for further study or excavation were not detailed in the announcement; Undetermined at this time.