A rare German military boat dating back to the Second World War has been discovered more than 300 feet beneath the sea, 83 years after it sank while reportedly being towed for repairs.
The 41-foot vessel was found by a team of Greek technical divers from AegeanTec in the Ionian Sea, between the Greek island of Lefkada and the mainland near Preveza.
Experts believe the wreck is LS6, a Leichtes Schnellboot operated by Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine during World War II. If confirmed, it could be the only surviving vessel of its type.
The discovery was announced earlier this month by AegeanTec maritime historian Giorgos Karelas after years of research into the missing vessel.
The search began in 2013 after German naval historian Peter Schenk provided archival information about a small Kriegsmarine vessel that had disappeared in the Ionian Sea.
Lefkada wreck hunter Dimitris Giannoulatos later identified a possible sonar target at a depth of around 315 feet.
When divers eventually reached the location, they found the vessel sitting almost upright on the seabed.
Despite spending more than eight decades underwater, its aluminium hull and superstructure were reportedly remarkably well preserved.
The diving team described the moment they first saw the wreck.
“The moment the silhouette emerged from the depths reminded us exactly why we do what we do.
“Few experiences compare to the privilege of being the first to dive, document and identify a forgotten piece of history.”
Several features found on the wreck helped researchers connect it to LS6.
These included the boat’s dimensions, aluminium construction, stern design and two Junkers Jumo 205 diesel engines. A section of the cable that had been used to tow the vessel was also reportedly still attached to its bow.
LS6 was built by Dornier and entered service in 1941.
The vessel was initially designed for torpedo operations before later being modified for anti-submarine missions. It was also equipped to deploy depth charges.
Historical records indicate that the boat was attacked on September 24, 1943, while travelling from Igoumenitsa towards Corfu.
The discovery could provide researchers with a rare opportunity to study a remarkably preserved German military vessel from the Second World War more than 80 years after it disappeared beneath the Ionian Sea.