Puck 2, first half of the 10th century
Country: Poland
Place: Former harbour of Puck, Bay of Gdańsk
Coordinates (approximate): 54.7200, 18.4200 (locality only)
Type: Slavic longship
Identified: No
Dated: First half of the tenth century, by dendrochronology
Beam: About 2.2 m
Keel Length: Unknown.
Length Overall: Estimated 19-20 m
Number of Masts: Unknown; oared and sailed.
History of the wreck
Divers found Puck 2 in 1977 among the remains of a submerged medieval harbour and settlement at the western end of the Bay of Gdańsk. Later archaeological and geological work showed that rising sea levels had buried the harbour and several vessels under protective sediment.
Dendrochronology places its construction in the first half of the tenth century. The wreck is an important example of Slavic longship construction and a useful comparison with contemporary Scandinavian warships and transport vessels.
Description of the site
The wreck lay on the seabed off the old harbour of Puck. The coordinates mark the harbour locality.
Cargo
Not applicable.
Ballast
Not reported.
Anchors
Not reported.
Guns
Not applicable.
Iron concretions
Not reported.
Hull Remains
Large parts of the midship section and the starboard side of the bow survive, with the lower stempost and the keelson in good condition. The reconstruction shows a long, narrow hull, about 19-20 m long and only about 2.2 m wide: a fast, oared and sailed longship, not a broad cargo carrier. The backbone and bow give evidence for hull shape, longitudinal strength and the relationship between Slavic and Scandinavian clinker building.
Keel, keelson and mast step
The lower stempost and the keelson are well preserved.
Frames
Not reported.
Planking
Clinker-built.
Ceiling, thick stuff, and wales
Not reported.
Caulking
Not reported.
Size and scantlings
Estimated length 19-20 m; beam about 2.2 m.
Wood
Not reported.
Bibliography
Viking Ship Museum. “Puck 2: a Slavic longship.” [Full reference to be completed.]