3 medieval ships surface in constructions site in Tallinn (Estonia)

3 medieval ships surface in constructions site in Tallinn (Estonia)

Construction workers building a new residential area in Tallinn uncovered the remains of three shipwrecks, believed to be of 14-17th century date.
According to a preliminary survey, the old sea sediments hide the wreckage of three smaller ships, said Maili Roio of the National Heritage Board. The ships are buried 4 meters deep.

The find is first of its kind in Estonia. Last similar case dates to 2009, when a 13th century ship was discovered at Lootsi street.

The area where the discovery was made is an old harbor. The bay was filled in toward the end of the 1930s.

The find was reported by Metro Capital and construction company Nordecon, who are working on the Tivoli residential project.

"One day a digger hit something in the ground," Metro Capital's CEO Mart Habakuk said. "The workers immediately stopped and had a look, it was at once clear that it was something historic, so we informed the National Heritage Board."

"A few days later another ship appeared on the opposite end of the construction site," he added. Now, remote sensing has revealed there could be three wrecks altogether.

Archaeological survey on the site started this week. The wrecks will be excavated, documented and preserved.

Metro Capital is also interested in displaying the finds in cooperation with the Heritage Board. Even now, passers-by can watch the excavation work as it progresses.

The seaside Tivoli residential area is located near Kadrioru Park and Pirita Promenade, just 200 meters from the current coastline in the Estonian capital.