Submarine Lost in WWII Found Near Norway 83 Years Later

The European Institute of Research says that it has discovered a submarine wreck believed to be from World War II.

The institute stated the submarine was discovered outside of Rogaland, Norway, and that it is possibly the British submarine HMS Thistle, according to a recent press release.

The discovery was made by a research cruise that was mapping the geology and biology of the seabed in the area. The institute notes that the discovery was actually made this spring, but another cruise that was more recently launched has helped possibly identify the vessel.

“When the spring cruise was planned, the researchers noticed some strange structures on the map. Curiosity got the better of the scientists and a station was set up,” the institute’s press release reads. “It had to be clarified whether it was a geological structure or a wreck that nobody knew about.”

“The answer soon became apparent: When exploring the seabed with an underwater camera, a shipwreck appeared on the screen in the control room. And not just any kind of wreck: it was a submarine,” the release adds.

By examining the wreck, researchers were able to determine it was one of several possible British submarines that sunk in the area. Further research and the studying of photos led researchers to believe the wreck was the HMS Thistle.

“HMS Thistle's last voyage… ended on 10 April 1940. It was then sunk by a German submarine. None of the 53 crew members survived,” the institute notes in its press release.

Since the HMS Thistle is a submarine was sunk during war, the institute says that the site of its wreck is considered a “war grave” and the British Royal Navy therefore maintains a right of ownership as per Maritime Law. 

The submarine wreck rests 160 meters below the sea outside Rogaland in south-western Norway, the press release says.