Baltic wrecks

An important phase of the fieldwork for the BALTWRECK project, carried out on board the research vessel RV ALKOR, has now been completed.

The collected data provided valuable information on the technical condition of the investigated wrecks and their potential impact on the Baltic Sea environment. The survey covered wrecks of significant environmental importance: Torpedoboat T34, Destroyer Z28, Minesweeper M14, Wreck 231123, Submarine W19, Submarine U-768, Stuttgart, Franken, Elbing IX, and Sizilien.
During the expedition, a comprehensive research programme was carried out, including:
- detailed mapping of the seabed and wreck structures
- inspections using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
- oceanographic measurements (CTD)
- collection of water, sediment, and marine organism samples
- visual documentation and geophysical measurements

An important part of the voyage also included port visits in Klaipėda and Gdynia, which provided a valuable space for exchanging experiences and discussing the monitoring and management of environmental risks related to wrecks resting on the seabed.

The attached video features footage from selected wrecks examined during the expedition.