Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lifeboat 39
Lifeboat 39 was built in 1943 at Karlskrona naval shipyards for use by Sweden's Sea Reserve (Sjφreserven). The boat was clinker built (lapstrake hull) and double ended (the bow and stern were both pointed) which followed the traditions of whaleboat design. The lifeboat was equipped with ten oars, flotation tanks, and two sets of sails - with the forward sail being larger than the aft sail (ketch rigged). Overall dimensions were 28' long, 7.5' wide, with a draft of approx. 2'. In 1945, Lifeboat 39 was assigned to the armored cruiser Fylgia and was probably on board when the Fylgia was discharged in 1953. It was then returned to the Sea Reserve until it was called back into active duty and refitted as the King's Launch in 1988.
Erected by Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1943.
Location. 39° 44.263′ N, 75° 32.22′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It can be reached from East 7th Street east of Swedes Landing Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Lifeboat 39 (here, next to this marker); Escape by Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilmington's Civil War Ironclads (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); USS Monitor America's First National Marine Sanctuary (about 300 feet away); Fort Christina (about 300 feet away); Fort Christina Monument (about 300 feet away); The Monument (about 300 feet away); The Park (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
