Exploration of 'Cursed' Shipwreck Begins

Published Jul 14, 2014 11:50 AM by The Maritime Executive

Researchers have begun exploring the wreckage of the Mars, a Swedish warship that sank during a naval battle in 1564. The wreck site is located 12 nautical miles southeast of the island of Oland in the Baltic Sea.

Johan Rönnby, professor of maritime archeology at Södertörn University in Sweden, was recently awarded a grant from the National Geographic Society for his project, "The Maritime Battlefield of Mars (1964)." Rönnby spoke to FoxNews.com regarding the unique excursion.

Mars, also known as Makalös, was built between 1563 and 1564. It was the leading ship of King Eric XIV of Sweden's fleet, and at 48 meters and equipped with 107 guns it was one of the largest warships of the time, even larger than the famous Swedish ship Vasa. In 1564, during the Northern Seven Years' War, the ship caught fire and exploded during the first battle of Öland.

Mars was rumored to have been cursed because many of its 130 cannons were made from melted church bells.

Rönnby expressed excitement to not only be diving on the wreck, but “diving on the sunken battlefield." He also stated that due to the brackish water and conditions of the Baltic Sea, the ship is remarkably well-preserved.