The vessel that sank off Porkkala in the Gulf of Finland has been identified as the 17th-century pinnace Falken, which originally belonged to King Gustav II Adolf and later to Queen Christina.
According to researchers, Falken was an important part of the Swedish navy, both in military operations and in the transport of dignitaries. The vessel sank in 1651, but its identity was only confirmed now thanks to the Forgotten Fleet research program.
The wreck was already found in 1974 and was previously known by the names Varmbådan or Uunihylky (Oven Wreck). Despite previous research, the ship’s true name and history remained unknown.
A decisive turn was achieved when a 3D model created by the Finnish Maritime Archaeological Society ended up with researcher Niklas Eriksson at Stockholm University. With the help of literature on the 17th-century Swedish navy, he was able to deduce that it is indeed the Falken.
– Falken is like a smaller version of the Vasa ship: it has three masts, a long bowsprit, decorative sculptures, and gunports on the sides, Eriksson says.
The vessel is about 35 meters long and was equipped with 16–20 cannons, the number of which varied over the years.
New research dives were conducted at the Falken’s sinking site in June 2025.
Falken was built in Stockholm between 1630–1631. The ship’s master builder was probably Hein Jakobsson, who had completed the construction of the ill-fated Vasa ship a few years earlier. The ship was made half the size of its predecessor, but spacious cabins and other comforts were added at the request of Gustav II Adolf.
The ship was used for two decades for both military and diplomatic tasks. Its passengers included councilors, envoys, royals, and other dignitaries.
– Unlike larger and more famous vessels, such as Vasa, Äpplet, or Mars, Falken was actively used. It was present at many well-known historical events. The wreck can teach us a lot about how such a vessel operated and how it was furnished, Eriksson says.
In the autumn of 1651, Falken ran aground off the Porkkalanniemi peninsula at the mouth of the Gulf of Finland. The ship was returning to Stockholm after transporting Count Erik Stenbock to Narva.
The exact causes of the accident are not known. A smaller vessel named Ugglan was sent to the site, tasked with helping the crew and saving as many of the cannons and equipment as possible.
Sweden’s “Blue” Cultural Heritage
The goal of the Forgotten Fleet – Sweden’s “Blue” Cultural Heritage 1450–1850 research program is to map, document, and study the Swedish navy using maritime archaeological and historical methods. The program combines written sources, archaeological finds, and modern modeling.
The project will run until 2026 and is being implemented by Stockholm University’s Centre for Maritime Studies (CEMAS), the Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology (SMTM), and the Finnish Heritage Agency (Museovirasto). Funding is provided by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond.
The Finnish part is led by maritime archaeologist Minna Koivikko, under whose guidance wrecks in the vicinity of Suomenlinna are being investigated.
Check out the material published by the Finnish Heritage Agency on the June dives.
