The underwater world has always held secrets, and each new discovery gives us a unique opportunity to look into the past. This time, with genuine satisfaction, we would like to share exciting news from the expeditions of the “Vesala Jūra” association.
Our own Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga are full of stories hidden beneath the waves. As a result of the persistent work of our divers, we have made a significant discovery – two shipwrecks, most likely sunk in the last century, have been identified! We have given these wrecks temporary names – “Fishing Trawl “Selga”” and “Barge”And best of all – they will become a valuable resource for training our student divers, as well as provide a new impetus for underwater exploration off the coast of Latvia.
What has been found and why is it important?
Underwater research requires immense patience, knowledge and care. Each wreck is like a time capsule, providing evidence of a certain period of history, shipbuilding technologies and human destinies. These two wrecks are special because they are relatively well preserved and, importantly for training, lie on their keel.
1. Fishing Trawl “Selga”
This wreck is located 22 meters deep and has tilted to starboard. Its length exceeds 25 metersOur initial research suggests that this has been small-sized refrigerator trawler type “Selga” (project 728A)Such vessels were built at the Padomsk Fishing Shipyard from 1972 to 1985 and were intended for fishing with bottom and twin trawls, as well as for transporting and transferring the catch in refrigerated form.
- Technical specifications confirmed by our findings:
- Length: Approximately 24.07 meters
- Width: Approximately 6.06 meters
- Board height to upper deck: 3.10 meters
- Draft: 2,395 meters
- Main engine: 300 horsepower (Make: 6NVD 26A-2)
- Load capacity: 26 tons
- Autonomy: Up to 12 days
- Built: It is estimated that approximately 12 units of this type were built.
Imagine – every detail of this ship tells the story of the development of the Soviet fishing fleet and the difficult work at sea in the last century. The wreck of the “Selga” is a great opportunity for our students to get acquainted with ship construction, orientation to larger objects, and technical diving.
2. “Barge”
This wreck is at a shallower depth – 15 metersIt is approximately 15-20 meter long metal structure boat, which is surprisingly well preserved and rises about 2 meters above the sandy bottom. Although the superstructure has not survived, the deck at the bow is perfectly visible, with all its elements – deck bollards, cleats and two anchor chain stoppers. Two square hatches are also visible on the bow deck. Unfortunately, the stern of the boat is sunk in the sand and is practically not visible. Interestingly, in the middle part of the wreck, on the left side, on the bottom there are pieces of metal of various sizes, which are most likely detached parts of the wreck.
The “Liellaiva” is an ideal site for beginner and intermediate divers to practice navigation, site exploration, and underwater photography. Its relatively shallow depth allows for longer dive times and more detailed exploration of the wreck.
Why are these findings important for diver training?
Associations "Vesal Sea"The main goal is not only to discover and document underwater history, but also to train new divers. These two wrecks offer excellent opportunities for practical training:
- Orientation and navigation: Students can learn to navigate larger objects, using boat and wreck structures as reference points.
- Object research: Learn to document discovered objects, take measurements, and observe the degree of preservation.
- Rope work and safety protocols: Learn to dive safely around wrecks using ropes and other safety gear.
- Underwater photography and video: Wrecks are great subjects for developing underwater photography and video skills.
- Understanding history: Learn about the history of ships, their functions and significance.
Next steps: Archives and further research
Our work with these wrecks does not stop at discovery and initial identification. To more accurately determine the history of the ships and the circumstances of their sinking, we need further detailed research and archival workThis includes both searching for documents in maritime archives and possibly contacting historians and specialists. Every new detail can help us solve the mysteries of these ships.
Join the “Vesala Jūra” movement!
If you are fascinated by the underwater world, if you want to participate in the discovery of history and dive with like-minded people, we invite you to join the association "Vesala Jūra"! Together we can discover many more undiscovered secrets of the Baltic Sea and enrich our knowledge of thousands of years of marine processes.
Whether you are an experienced diver or just dreaming of your first dive, we have a place to develop your skills and share your passion with others.
To learn more and apply, please visit our website or contact the association. We are waiting for you!
