Wreck of the transport ship Kalpaks from 1941 found on the bottom of the Baltic Sea

A group of Russian divers examined and identified the wreck of the transport ship Kalpaks. The Germans sank the ship in 1941 during the Soviet-led evacuation of the Baltic Fleet and Red Army troops from Tallinn.

The wreck of the transport ship Kalpaks rests in the waters of the Gulf of Finland at a depth of 48 metres. Technical divers carried out an exploration of the found vessel and made detailed photographic and film documentation.

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During the dives, the researchers filmed the bridge, the bow section and the midship section in detail. Then they got inside the wreck of the carrier and inspected the cargo hold. They quickly found traces that showed the ship was built in France. This was a clear indication that the wreck they were on was the Kalpax.

However, this was not enough. What was needed was irrefutable proofto dispel all doubts. Luck smiled on the divers and near the bow they found the ship’s bell with the original name of the vessel – Marie Louise. There was also information about the year and place of construction – 1914, Nantes.

The divers also reported that they found numerous human remains, weapons and items of uniform in the holds and on board the ship.

The group found the wreck of the carrier two years ago, while conducting a search for another vessel – the M-96 submarine. Since it was not the main objective of the searchers, a more thorough examination of it was postponed. So now the divers have returned to the wreck of the unknown vessel and solved its mystery and restored its name.

Sinking of the carrier Kalpaks

On 27 August 1941 it began evacuation of the Baltic Fleet forces and Red Army troops from Tallinn. Today, historians sometimes refer to this operation as the ‘Soviet Dunkirk’ or the ‘Tallinn disaster’. In just four days, the Soviets lost between 18,000 and 40,000 dead and 65 vessels.

On the evening of 29 August, there were about 1,500 people on board the Kalpaks. Almost all were injured and rescued from the water from other sunken vessels. Just then there was a determined attack by the Luftwaffe. Despite effective manoeuvring, the Kalpaks stood no chance. The first bomb hit the hold number 2, and the next one hit the engine room. Only 60-70 people survived the sinking of the ship.