After more than eight decades underwater, a rare German military craft from World War II has been discovered in the Ionian Sea. According to data published so far, it is LS 6, a light torpedo boat that may be the only preserved vessel of its type in the world.
The wreck was found at a depth of 96 meters
The vessel was identified at a depth of 96 meters, almost untouched and in a condition described as extraordinary for its age and the conditions in which it had remained.
Divers who took part in the search reported that the craft’s silhouette stood out clearly in the darkness of the deep, while the wreck rested almost upright on the sandy seabed.
What LS 6 is
LS 6, or “Leichte Schnellboot 6,” was a light torpedo boat of the German navy. It was built from aluminum to be as light and fast as possible.
According to the data available so far, this may be the only vessel of this type preserved to the present day, making the discovery significant for the naval history of World War II.
The search began from military archives
The effort to find the craft began in 2013, after data were found in German military archives about a Kriegsmarine vessel that disappeared in September 1943 between Lefkada and Preveza.
Historical researcher Jorgos Karelas played a key role in gathering information and organizing the searches that lasted for years, until the final identification of the wreck.
How the vessel’s identity was confirmed
The identification was made by the AegeanTec team during a technical dive using a closed-circuit breathing system.
According to the published data, the “Junkers Jumo” engines, the dimensions of the craft and the towing cable that still remained attached at the bow were the elements that led to confirmation that it was LS 6.
How it ended up at the bottom of the Ionian
LS 6 had been sent to Greece together with its sister vessel LS 5 after Italy’s capitulation, to be used in German operations in the Aegean.
According to the reported data, the craft was heavily damaged during a British air attack in Igoumenitsa. Later, during towing toward Piraeus for repairs, the aluminum hull suffered further damage, water entered inside and the vessel sank between Lefkada and Preveza.
Greek media have described this as a unique discovery for maritime history.
The real significance of the find will depend on further scientific documentation and the verifications that will accompany this identification.