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The Vasa, a Swedish warship that sunk of its maiden voyage after traveling less than one nautical mile. |
It had 64 guns, including 48 24-pounders. |
The ship was top-heavy and did not have enough ballast. A gust of wind forced the ship onto its port side, and since all gun ports were open to fire a salute as it left port on its maiden voyage, the lower gun deck flooded. |
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Vasa was built between 1626 and 1628 for use in the Thirty Years' War, which involved most of Europe. |
Rear of the ship, which would have been brightly painted at the time of the maiden voyage. |
Replicas of sculptures from the ship, painted as they were believed to have looked at the time. |
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The gun deck |
Looking down the starboard side of the ship. |
The remains of one of the 30-50 people who died when the Vasa went down. |