The wreck of the submarine HMS Urge has been found - video

Last week it was reported that the wreck of the British submarine HMS Urge had been found. The Royal Navy vessel was lost on 29 April 1942 in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and until now its fate was unknown. According to submarine archaeologists who have examined the wreck, it has been preserved in fantastic condition.

The discovery of HMS Urge was announced on Thursday, 31 October. For the UK, the location of the wreck is a hugely significant event as 32 sailors died on board, along with 11 naval personnel and 1 journalist. Today, historians are recording LAST CARD in their history. As a result, families and the general public will soon know the reasons for the ship’s sinking and the crew’s final resting place.

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The search was conducted by a team of University of Malta archaeologists led by Professor Timmy Gambin, whose previous work you may have read about in our DIVERS24 Magazine. The wreck was discovered by combing the seabed using sonar.

The damage found on the bow of the wrecked submarine indicates that there was undoubtedly a very violent explosion. Consequently, the submarine must have sunk very quickly, without giving anyone the slightest chance to save themselves. Apart from the bow section, the wreck is in fantastic condition. She settled evenly on the keel at the bottom, facing her final destination – Alexandria – said Prof Gambin

The search for the wreck of HMS Urge has continued for the past two decades, but without success. Finally, at the request of the ship’s captain’s grandson (who is also one of the project’s sponsors), further activities have begun. This summer, an area that was heavily mined by the Germans during the war was checked. It was here, at a depth of 108 metres, that sonar indicated interesting object. The target was promising and its shape and dimensions matched those of the missing Royal Navy vessel.

The distinctive features of the submarine HMS Urge were identified by comparing detailed photographs of the wreck with archival photographs from the Second World War period. After reviewing the results, the UK Ministry of Defence officially confirmed the ship’s identification. Under Maltese and international law, the ship was protected as a war grave.

Finding ship of great importance for the Royal Navy, because the course of the unit’s service was a series of successes. HMS Urge during 20 patrols took part in attacking and sinking of many enemy ships. On board the ship, the British also transported their commandos and intelligence agents to enemy territory.