German Atlantic submarine belonging to class VII C, launched on 21 June 1941 and initially used as a training ship.
From 1942 to 1944 she took part in 10 missions and then sank on April 6, 1944, 2.5 miles off the Ligurian coast between Bogliasco and Punta Chiappa.
The cause of her was probably a friendly mine or a device of her own which, exploding while being thrown into the sea, caused a huge gash in the stern.
The wreck lies stuck in a muddy bottom at a depth of -120 meters. 45-50 ° inclined with the bow facing the surface at – 85 meters.
The visible part is completely intact and is about 50 meters long.
Beyond the turret towards the stern, the submarine is still visible for about fifteen meters before disappearing into the mud.
The Wreck is very fascinating, starting with the position it has taken, which is decidedly unnatural. The deck, which was once in teak, is very beautiful; now it is a refuge for countless forms of life, such as conger eels, lobsters, rockfish …
The most interesting part is certainly the turret where the splash guard and the railing are visible; the access hatch is completely open but inside everything has remained sealed, keeping the 51 crew members and their secrets.
The visibility conditions are very variable such as the current, which in that area can also be very strong to the point of preventing the dive from taking place.
Thanks to Mario Comi for the beautiful photos!
