A journey to the past - Wilhelm Gustloff 15 years ago

Listen to this article Today, a completely unique film has found its way into our video library. The footage, shot by Sławek Paćko, was recorded 15 years ago on the wreck of a ship, the sinking of which is considered the greatest tragedy in the history of maritime navigation. Wilhelm Gustoloff, as part of Operation

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: May 20, 2012 - 17:39

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 05:38

A journey to the past – Wilhelm Gustloff 15 years ago

Listen to this article

Today, a completely unique film has found its way into our video library. The footage, shot by Sławek Paćko, was recorded 15 years ago on the wreck of a ship, the sinking of which is considered the greatest tragedy in the history of maritime navigation.

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Wilhelm Gustoloff, as part of Operation Hannibal, was to evacuate citizens of the Third Reich from areas that were being flooded by the Soviet army’s counter-offensive. Overcrowded to the limit, Gustloff was targeted by a Soviet submarine under the command of Captain Marinesko. The waters of the Baltic Sea claimed 8-10 thousand lives that night. Human lives.

Today, this material, shot 1.5 decades ago, is even more unique, because any diving on a vessel considered to be a war grave is prohibited. In front of our computer monitors, we can see what Sławek Paćko recorded with his lens and see what condition the wreck was in after more than 50 years from the moment it submerged in the green waters of the Baltic Sea.

Film: Sławek Paćko / Underwater Technology

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.