Marine archaeologists have discovered a German submarine off the coast of Belgium in the North Sea. The U-boat dates back to the First World War, and its near-pristine condition suggests the remains of all 23 sailors are still inside.
Sketch of the sub in its current position (Image: Tomas Termote)
The Associated Press reports that the German Type UB II submarine was discovered by Tomas Termote, a diver and marine archaeologist. The 26.82m-long sub is currently lying at a 45 degree angle around 27.43m below the surface. The exact location of the sub is being kept a secret to prevent looting, but unconfirmed reports suggest it’s near the port of Ostende.
Video capture of the sunken sub. (Image: KB Vlaanderen/Tomas Termote)
UB II-type subs had a standard crew of 22 sailors and one commander, and given the excellent condition of the sunken vessel, there’s no reason to believe these 23 bodies aren’t still inside. “[We] reckon all the bodies are still on board,” said West Flanders Governor Carl Decaluwé to reporters yesterday. It’s not known if water has leaked into the crew compartment (very likely), or how badly the bodies have decomposed.
Termote’s investigation of the sub revealed impact damage at the front, suggesting the vessel ran into a mine with its upper deck. Two torpedo tubes were destroyed, but a lower tube remained intact. The bow sustained most damage, but the hatches are still in the closed position, the conning tower is intact, and the periscopes are visible. Video taken of the sub shows it covered in barnacles, seaweed, and fishing gear.
Video capture of the sunken sub. (Image: KB Vlaanderen/Tomas Termote)
Decaluwé has been in touch with the German ambassador, saying “we need to see what [we] can do” with the remains of the German sailors. Future investigations are being planned to remove some of the gunk off the sub’s exterior so that the identification number can be revealed. Once this sub is properly identified, German officials can check it against records and contact families of the deceased. It’s unlikely the Germans will want to retrieve the bodies, and as pointed out by Termote, the wreck’s condition would make it impossible to refloat. He believes the area should be protected and designated a “sea grave for the soldiers.”
Between 1915 and 1918, 18 U-boats were stationed within the Flanders Flotilla in Bruges, of which 13 were destroyed. This is now the eleventh wreck to be discovered in Belgian waters, but it’s considered to be the best preserved of all.
During the global conflict, subs were used to disrupt merchant shipping in the area to free Germany and its allies from the stifling naval blockade set up by its enemies.
[Associated Press via Chicago Tribune, BBC]