Anchor of the Barque 'Plus': A Maritime Tragedy
The anchor of the Barque 'Plus' stands as a tangible link to the powerful sailing ships of a bygone era. It represents a vessel with a storied history that ended in tragedy just meters from the safety of Mariehamn's harbor.
A Late 19th-Century Windjammer
The Barque 'Plus' was a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing vessel constructed in 1885 by the renowned Blohm & Voss shipyard near Hamburg, Germany. Measuring approximately 70 meters long with a gross tonnage of 1,268, the ship was classified as a "square sailor without engine," relying entirely on wind power well after steamships became dominant. Its maiden voyage, captained by Carl J. Steincke, was a 61-day journey from Hamburg to Valparaíso, Chile.
From German Shipping to Ålandic Trade
Initially owned by the German Laeisz shipping company, the 'Plus' changed hands several times, serving owners in Norway before its story became intertwined with Åland's maritime history. In 1927, the vessel was acquired by Aktieselskapet Spes, a significant Finnish trading company based in the Åland Islands. The ship was used to facilitate trade routes with Great Britain and South America, becoming part of the region's enduring commitment to commercial sail.
A Christmas Tragedy
The ship's career came to a sudden end on the stormy night of December 14, 1933. Returning to Mariehamn after delivering its last cargo in London, the crew was reportedly eager to return home for Christmas. In a fateful decision, the captain attempted to enter the harbor during a severe snowstorm without the aid of a pilot. The vessel was dragged to the seabed just 100 meters from shore, resulting in the tragic loss of ten to fourteen crew members.
The Wreck's Enduring Legacy
Today, the Barque 'Plus' rests as an underwater shipwreck in the Åland Archipelago. Lying at a depth varying from 17 to 32 meters, it has become a popular and accessible dive site, with many of its structural details still visible. A Swedish diving magazine has ranked the 'Plus' as one of the top ten wrecks in Scandinavia. Its story is a poignant part of Mariehamn's identity as the "home of the last windjammers," exemplifying the immense risks faced by seafarers during the final decades of commercial sail. Memorabilia related to the ship is displayed at the Åland Maritime Museum.
FAQ
What was the Barque 'Plus'?
The 'Plus' was a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship built in Germany in 1885. It operated without an engine and was acquired by an Ålandic company in 1927 before its sinking in 1933.
How did the Barque 'Plus' sink?
On December 14, 1933, the 'Plus' sank in a snowstorm only 100 meters from the shore of Mariehamn. The captain's decision to enter the harbor without a pilot led to the disaster, which claimed the lives of 10 to 14 crew members.
Can you dive the wreck of the 'Plus'?
Yes, the wreck of the Barque 'Plus' is a popular and significant dive site in the Åland Archipelago. It is ranked as one of the top ten wrecks in Scandinavia by a Swedish diving magazine.
