Nazi U-Boat Seen For First Time Since Sinking In 1942

The German 'U-boat' submarine U-576 has been seen for the first time since sinking about 74 years ago. Entombed within are the 45 German sailors who went down with the sub; according to the researchers who discovered it, the hatches are still closed, and most of the other elements — minus the now-rotted wooden deck pieces — are still present. The discovery marks the end of a mission that has been ongoing since 2009, providing an actual look at the vessel that was first 'seen' by sonar in 2014.

The work was performed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more commonly called NOAA, as well as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Coastal Studies Institute of the University of North Carolina. The sub was found where it sank decades ago off the coast of North Carolina, reportedly lying on its side on the sea floor.

The Nazi submarine was sent to its watery grave a little more than half a year after the U.S. entered World War II, something that happened amidst a larger battle that resulted in the freighter vessel Bluefields being sunk, the last among its many victims. The submarine rests about 721ft. below the water's surface.

According to historical records, all 45 men on the U-boat ranged in age from 18 to 29 years old; the vessel is considered a war grave and will likely remain where it is, unopened and unmoved. The U.S. government has agreed to care for the wreckage remains on behalf of Germany, which is still the owner of the submarine.

SOURCE: Washington Post