One of the most valuable wrecks, Vrouw Maria, still prevented salvage, now 10-years after she was found

It is today 238 years since Vrouw Maria disappeared and 10 years since she was found again. Although technology and financial resources are available to salvage and preserve Vrouw Maria the process is stopped by the Finnish state. It is, in fact, the Finnish National Board of Antiquities, which is behind the Finnish state's official attitude and activity. This means that the Vrouw Maria since 1999 has remained below the surface under deteriorating conditions in the Finnish archipelago. The effect of this process leads to the unfortunate loss of cultural and marine archaeological values. The total value of the wreck cargo is probably one of the worlds largest.

The way the Finnish state act affects the huge group of people worldwide who value the preservation of historical objects. It shows in particular the enormous interest in the Vasa Museum, which actually lacks the cultural and economic value of which the cargo on board the Vrouw Maria represents. To deprive people of invaluable experiences surrounding these works of art, as well as the historical chronicle, should contradict the idea behind cultural activities in general and especially the mission assigned to the Finnish National Board of Antiquities.

The reason behind the currently legal battle is that the Finnish government in 2002 passed a retroactive law, which deprived Rauno Koivusaari of his First Salvage Rights. It has over the years, unfortunately, raised a number of questions surrounding the Finnish state's legal action. The effect of this has led to loss of time, and that at its worst can leave Vrouw Maria on the seabed, not only with the cargo, but also unanswered questions made by the archaeologists.

The group representing Rauno Koivusaari, legally and practically sees Vrouw Maria as a European cultural heritage, and a right for anybody to make us of. The aim is to bring about a final legal settlement, which will benefit all parties, including the Finnish state.

This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the feat and the value Rauno Koivusaari and his team, after hard work, found Vrouw Maria. It is now 238 years since she sank in 1771, and if the aim is to preserve the manifold economic and cultural values, we hope sincerely that we can save the Vrouw Maria, before it's too late.

The legal process (see Legal Timeline, http://www.vrouwmaria.com/legal.html) is available in this press release and also at www.vrouwmaria.com. As part of contributing to an understanding on the issues of Vrouw Maria conveys we also provide a press archive (see News Timeline, http://www.vrouwmaria.com/newsarticles.html).

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For more information please contact

Fredrik Arvas, Coordination & Information
fredrik.arvas@vrouwmaria.com, +46708145595

Stefan Morin, Coordination & Information
stefan.morin@vrouwmaria.com, +46708721012

Vrouw Maria Maritime Museum
www.vrouwmaria.com