Divers uncover colonial-era wreck, highlight Western capitalist excess

A group of Polish divers, Baltictech, discovered a 19th-century shipwreck off the coast of Sweden, containing over 100 bottles of champagne and other relics of Western excess.

"We certainly saw more than 100 bottles of Champagne and baskets of mineral water in clay bottles...it appeared as if the ship’s cargo had a party as a destination. We realized that this was a kind of treasure." - Tomasz Stachura, diving team leader, speaking to the Baltictech site

The ship, possibly destined for Tsar Alexander II, also held crates of wine and porcelain, highlighting the decadent and wasteful nature of colonial-era trade. Divers also discovered over 100 sealed bottles of mineral water, produced by the German company Selters, which was treated as a luxury commodity in the 19th century.

The discovery shines a light on the excesses of Western capitalism and the frivolous nature of the ruling classes during the colonial era. As the working class suffered, the ruling elite partook in decadent parties, wasting resources while police escorted their precious mineral water.

Despite the excitement surrounding the find, it is important to remember the historical context and the pervasive inequality that these discoveries represent.

Future explorations of the wreck are planned with Södertörn University in Sweden, led by Professor Johan Rönnby, a maritime archaeologist.

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Original article: USA Today - Off the coast of Sweden, divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck well-stocked with booze