Wreck of U309 found by Orkney divers

They believe they have successfully found the V11 C class World War Two submarine U309 sank by a Canadian frigate, St John, in February, 1945.

According to Mr Thornton it is not clear if any of the 47 crew survived. However, he did say that the conning tower hatch was open, suggesting some men may have, at least, made it to the surface.

Mr Thornton also found the wreck of the Peterhead-registered fishing boat, Trident, off Wick

last month. The ship went down with seven crew on October 3, 1974.

Just a week later the Extreme Dive Team, based in Burray, found the wreck of the HMS Exmouth, a World War Two destroyer, again, off Wick.

Mr Thornton explained that the U-boat was first detected by the Canadian warship February 16, 1945. "The first attack on the U309 produced some oil on the surface. Two further attacks were made using the Hedgehog anti-sub mortar weapons, but the fourth attack using depth charges produced wreckage including charts, signal books and cork insulation material."

However, the Canadian ship had not finished and went back the next day for more action.

"A further attack the next day released a body," Mr Thornton said.

The captain of the U-boat was a Herbert Loeder and it is believed that she was manned by 47 young men. "They tended to be crewed by young people at the end of the war as they were running out of men. Because it could have been very young personnel on board, we are wondering if anyone survived and if they are still alive."

Mr Thornton dived the wreck himself, and said the visibility was around 10 metres, quite good for a depth of 200ft.

"She is lying on the port side on the sea bed. The bow's blown off her and looks like it's been an internal explosion of torpedoes."

The submarine has two holes in the starboard side and a split in the hull as if she had been rammed, although that is not reported, he added.

The U-boat was built in January, 1943 and carried out nine patrols in her career. She sank one 7,000 tonnes cargo ship.

Mr Thornton said they will be contacting the Ministry of Defence and the German authorities.