Semi-lighter Lev

This wreck was dubbed the ‘Dinghy wreck’, based on a cutter or dinghy found underneath it. It is probably a Russian semi-lighter. According to Russian sources, the semi-lighter Lev, completed in St. Petersburg in 1788, was sunk in the area during the Second Battle of Svensksund. The story has it that a Swedish shot cut the vessel’s anchor rope and the vessel became rudderless. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Jepantsjin, ordered the vessel to be abandoned. The bow was set on fire and the crew was taken by gun sloop to Lehmäsaari island, where salvaged spirits were enjoyed.

• Possibly a Russian semi-lighter
• Length 34 m, width 10 m
• Armed with 42 cannons
• Number of crew unknown, 5 were saved