– We will go out and inspect the wreck Annie, says Patrik Höglund who is a marine archaeologist at the Wreck – Museum of Wrecks in Stockholm.
The cargo ship Annie was identified in the autumn by two divers after the Swedish Maritime Administration discovered the wreck during a sea survey. The old steel ship, built in 1877 in London, is about 35 meters deep and sank in 1891.
Annie had loaded wood in Sävenäs and was on her way to British Lincolnshire. Inadequate navigation led to the ship running aground east of Ängesön. Towing attempts began with the ship taking in water and Annie sank while the crew was able to be rescued.
To be explained as an ancient monument
After the first pictures that divers took in the autumn, it was soon clear that the wreck is in excellent condition. Therefore, the County Administrative Board in Västerbotten soon wants to be able to declare the wreck as an ancient monument.
– We hope that we will get a knowledge base before the antiquities declaration, says Maria Lindberg who is a marine archaeologist at the county administrative board.
In addition to the surveys that are now being carried out, the county administrative board needs the cultural-historical context of the wreck.
Will not be a diving ban
If Annie is declared an ancient monument, the wreck will be protected by law according to the Cultural Environment Act, which would be unusual.
– It is normal for ships that are sunk after 1850 not to have this protection, but you can make exceptions if you think that certain wrecks are extra worthy of protection, says Patrik Höglund.
However, there will not be a diving ban, he points out.
– But it will be forbidden to destroy or plunder the wreck, says Maria Lindberg.