Wreckage Believed to be British WWII Submarine Discovered off Coast of Norway
In a remarkable find, researchers have recently discovered wreckage that is believed to be from a British submarine that sank during World War II off the coast of Norway. This significant development was made in the spring of 2023, but it wasn’t until recent weeks that the wreckage was identified as the HMS Thistle.
The wreckage was initially detected by Norway’s Institute of Marine Research and MAREANO, a program devoted to mapping seabeds. It was the peculiar structures present on the seabed that caught the attention of the researchers, prompting them to employ an underwater camera. Upon confirming that it was indeed a wreck, conversations with both the British and Norwegian navies led the researchers to conclude that it was likely the HMS Thistle.
Further confirmation was obtained when the MAREANO program passed by the wreck during a research cruise in October and was able to definitively identify it as the long-lost HMS Thistle. The significance of this find cannot be overstated, as the submarine sank on April 10, 1940, after being struck by a torpedo from a German U-boat. Tragically, all 53 crew members aboard lost their lives.
Today, the sunken vessel is considered a war grave, and ownership rights over the wreckage are maintained by the British Royal Navy. Resting at a depth of 160 meters below the ocean’s surface, the submarine serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.
The discovery of the HMS Thistle not only sheds light on an important chapter of history but also honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who served onboard. As news of this find spreads, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve the remnants of past conflicts, ensuring that their legacy remains eternally recognized.
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