Divers Identify WWII German U-boat off Devon After Eight Decades

Divers operating off the Devon coast located a long-lost German submarine, later identified as the Type VIIC U-672, which sank in 1944 following an engagement with HMS Balfour. The wreck, situated about 20 miles from Salcombe at a depth of nearly 70 metres, was first logged as an unidentified U-boat by Ian Taylor and the Skin Deeper team. After a second search attempt, Dom Robinson and his Gasperados group consulted maritime historian Axel Niestlé, whose expertise confirmed the identity.

The crew of the U-672, numbering 52, survived the attack and were rescued after abandoning the vessel. Robinson described the dive as a rare “jackpot” moment, noting the challenges of deep-water diving and the need for careful decompression. The discovery adds to the team's recent successes, which include locating the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Temper in April.