The Cargo

The cargo of the ship consisted of roofing tiles, Norwegian whetstones and pieces of antler. Also a wooden barrel was found. A dendrochronological analysis indicates that the oak of the barrel came from the Polish coastline and that the oak was felled in 1335. In other words, it may be that the ship was used for a period of at least 40 years. The barrel was filled with sulphur that is likely of Icelandic origin. Also some ceramic and some well-preserved metal vessels have been found. According to the production marks, some of the containers were made in Lübeck. These findings lead us to think that the cog came from western Norway and it was loaded with goods for the Baltic area when it sunk in the Darss area. The cargo gives us a good picture of the trade in the early phase of the hanseatic period. In addition to the items mentioned above, parts of the crew's equipment have been found in the wreck and its surroundings. These findings will probably give us detailed information about the standard of seafaring techniques in the 13th century.