Wreck of German submarine found near British Isles

Nearly 100 years after it sank, the wreck of a Kaiserliche Marine submarine – the UB-85 – is believed to have been recovered. The vessel was found during underwater work to prepare the area for the laying of power cables. The stunning sonar images show what appears to be an intact WW1 German submarine lying on the seabed in waters off the Galloway coast.

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The German submarine U-85 was sunk on 30 April 1918 by a Royal Navy ship. However, this did not stop legends from emerging about the unusual sinking of the vessel by… a sea monster. As you can see, there is more to the region than just the Loch Ness Monster. But here we go…

The ship U-85 was abandoned by its crew – and this is no joke – because they were attacked by the aforementioned monster (by the way, I wonder how many ships from WWI or WWII can boast in their logbooks such an amazing event?!). The German sailors were picked up by the ship HMS ‘Coreopsis’. It was on its deck that submarine commander Capt. Günther Krech described his encounter with the beast:

“She had huge eyes, set in a sort of horned? skull, with teeth gleaming in the moonlight”

According to his account, the vessel he commanded was so badly damaged during the clash with the monster that it was unable to submerge again.

A well-known figure in the diving world – Dr Innes McCartney – does not give credence to this story. A historian and underwater archaeologist and expert on wrecks resting around the UK, he helped identify this vessel as well.

“In fact, the only monster in the area was just a U-boat, coming here to sink other vessels. The ship was caught on the surface most probably while charging batteries. As a result of the momentary submersion, the vessel was swamped by water, so there was nothing left to do but empty the ballast tanks and return to the surface and surrender to the British.”

Focusing already on more real issues, Dr McCartney said that at least twelve British and German submarines had sunk in the region.

“The characteristic elements of this particular wreck, which is virtually intact, confirm that this is a UBIII class submarine. From the available information we know that only two such vessels U-85 and U-82 were sunk in this area. I can confirm that this is one of the vessels, but they are so similar that 100% certainty would be given only by checking what number is painted on the wreck. Unfortunately, it certainly has not survived to our times. The only way out of this situation may be for divers to find the markings of the shipyard where the vessel was built.”

The UB-85 ship measured almost 56 metres long and 5.8 metres wide. When afloat it could develop a speed of 13.4 knots, while submerged it was 7.5 knots. The operational range at an economic speed of 6 knots, was over 15,000 km. The ship could dive to a maximum depth of 50 metres.

Source: bbc.com