Russians have found the wreck of a 1944 German ship in the Baltic Sea

Listen to this article During an expedition conducted in early December, researchers from Kaliningrad found and identified the wreck of a German ship from 1944. The vessel located by the Russiansis a German patrol vessel V-1802 Orient. It sank on 11th of November 1944 off the coast of Kaliningrad. On 2nd December researchers used a

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: December 6, 2021 - 09:00

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 23:45

Russians have found the wreck of a 1944 German ship in the Baltic Sea

Listen to this article

During an expedition conducted in early December, researchers from Kaliningrad found and identified the wreck of a German ship from 1944.

The vessel located by the Russiansis a German patrol vessel V-1802 Orient. It sank on 11th of November 1944 off the coast of Kaliningrad. On 2nd December researchers used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and carried out reconnaissance on the wreck.

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Armament of the German wreck — The cannon still looks great Fot. Разведывательно-водолазная команда/UWEX.org

Work V-1802 Orient — Undoubtedly, the wreck of V-1802 is an interesting object for exploration Fot. Разведывательно-водолазная команда/UWEX.org

During the exploration, scientists tried to reach key locations that could help identify the vessel. Fortunately, the wreck rests at a depth of just 23 metres, making it easily accessible. Thanks to video documentation from the ROV cameras, Russian researchers determined that this is the wreck of the V-1802 Oritent.

Vorpostenboots were small patrol vessels used by the Germans during World Wars I and II. They therefore mainly operated in coastal waters, escorted other vessels and occasionally took part in combat. Many of them were previously small ships or cutters that were incorporated into the Kriegsmarine as a result of the war.

Technical diver on the wreck of a patrol vessel — Despite extensive damage, the wreck looks pretty good Fot. Разведывательно-водолазная команда/UWEX.org

Sinking of V-1802 Orient

On the basis of archival data, the Russians established the circumstances under which the German ship sank. On 11 November 1944 a Soviet aircraft Il-2 attacked two patrol vessels V-310 and V-1802, both of which were heading from Pilau to Klaipeda. As a result of the attack V-1802 Orient was hit by two bombs, which hit the wheelhouse and the engine room.

Diver exploring a WWII wreck — Diver next to the cannon on the wreck of V-1802 Photo Разведывательно-водолазная команда/UWEX.org

The Germans tried to save the vessel and towed the damaged V-1802 Orient for some time. However, after a few hours it became clear that nothing could be done. The German patrol boat sank, sinking stern first. The entire crew was evacuated to the other vessel.

Sunken German ship — In some places on the wreck you can see broken nets Fot. Разведывательно-водолазная команда/UWEX.org

The Russian expedition that discovered and identified V-1802 Orient involved specialists from the Russian Geographical Society, the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University in Kaliningrad and the World Ocean Museum.

Photo. Разведывательно-водолазная команда/UWEX.org

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.