Submarine Recovery Operation Led by German Archaeologist Described as "Baffling"
The wreck of the German submarine U16, which sank in the North Sea off Scharhorn in 1919, has been located at a depth of around 20 meters. This submarine, of high interest among military collectors and U-boat enthusiasts, has been the subject of frequent examinations by the Federal Agency for Maritime and Hydrography (BSH), due in part to water-filled depressions observed in images from an echo sounder.
However, the most recent examination was in 2023, and the BSH decided to initiate a salvage operation, citing the need for shipping and fairway maintenance. The operation, which took place earlier this year, was met with criticism from Rainer-Maria Weiss, Hamburg's State Archaeologist.
Weiss stated that the operation was "haphazard" and an "illegal rushed operation." He expressed concern over the lack of professional supervision, having learned about the operation from the newspaper. He further stated that under normal conditions, the boat would not have broken during the salvage operation.
The boat, known for its thick steel and intact supply lines, broke into two pieces during the salvage operation overnight on Monday. Despite this, the salvaged half of U1-6 appears to be in excellent condition, according to Weiss. He believes that the boat could have been lifted and placed back in the water a few meters away, rather than being fully salvaged.
The Federal Agency for Maritime and Hydrography justified the salvage operation, stating that it was necessary for the safety of shipping and fairway maintenance. However, Weiss believes that there was a chain of oversights that led to the salvage operation.
The adjustment of the fairway of the Elbe and Outer Elbe made the wreck of U16 relevant for shipping and fairway maintenance, but Weiss argues that the boat's condition was such that it could have remained in its place without posing a significant risk.
Despite the criticisms, Weiss acknowledges that the salvaged wreck will not rust away in a few days. The submarine, a piece of history, will continue to be a subject of interest and debate among historians and enthusiasts.
