Nazi submarine found after 82 years - and the detail that fooled everyone

The Nazi submarine U-672 was found at a depth of 70 meters off the coast of England, 82 years after its sinking. All 52 crew members survived. A recording error in British Navy logbooks caused its location to remain unidentified for decades.

The remains of a Nazi Type VII-C submarine, U-672, were found at a depth of 70 meters off the coast of England, about 32 kilometers from shore, 82 years after its sinking. The submarine was damaged in July 1944 by an attack from the British frigate HMS Balfour using Hedgehog anti-submarine weaponry. All 52 crew members, under the command of Ulf Lawaetz, escaped and survived. For decades, the sinking location remained unknown due to a recording error in British Navy logbooks, which placed the documented location 74 kilometers from the actual site. The error caused the wreck to be mistakenly attributed to an American sailing ship from World War I. The Gasperados diving team identified the submarine thanks to a unique snorkel system and rectangular openings in the hull. Historian Dr. Axel Niestlé confirmed the identification. The submarine was deliberately scuttled by its crew after being damaged, to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Diver Dominic Robinson contacted family members of the commander, who reported that he lived a long life after the war.