German U-boat lost in 1944 found off Devon coast
The U-672, a German submarine attacked by the Royal Navy in July 1944, has been discovered off Devon after a clerical error delayed its location for eight decades.
The U-672 was hit by HMS Balfour in July 1944 and deliberately scuttled by its commander to give all 52 crew a chance to survive. A navy log error recorded the wrong coordinates, placing the wreck some 46 miles from where it actually lay.
A dive team from Portland found the submarine in August at 230 feet off Salcombe. Plymouth divers Gasperados confirmed the identity by spotting the snorkel and conning tower.
The crew made it to the surface, were rescued by British vessels the next day, and taken to a prisoner of war camp. The U-boat's skipper returned to Germany after the war and lived a long life.
His family said he would have been proud to know the wreck was finally found.
- 52
- Crew members
- July 1944
- Attack date
- 230 feet
- Wreck depth
- 46 miles off
- Navigation error
Why it mattersA major World War Two discovery solves an 82-year-old maritime mystery and honours a crew whose survival was itself remarkable.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, but the story reflects global interest in World War Two naval history and lost shipwrecks.
Corroborated bybbc.co.uk
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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