31 shipwrecks found in Germany, including one that is believed to be a steam destroyed in the air writing of World War II

More than 30 shipwreck hidden in a lake have been discovered in Germany, authorities announced this week, including a ship that is believed to be a steam destroyed by an air attacks in World War II.

The ships were discovered on the floor of Lake Constance during a project launched in 2022 called “Nauid and sea deep”, according to the State Office for the preservation of the monument. The office said scientists have sent divers and vehicles operated remotely (ROV) to discover a wide range of boats, from centenary vaporizers to a completely intact load navigation ship.

Scientists had identified more than 250 potential anomalies in Lake Constance, which has up to 800 feet deep. Of these, it was determined that 31 locations were remains, “including objects of cultural and historical importance, as well as modern recreational ships and the boat of recent times,” said the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments in a press release.

Among the notable discoveries were two large helmets of metal ships, which were discovered and surveyed with Rov. According to their size, characteristics and location, the researchers believe that these remains are the helmets of two palette vaporizers: SD Baden and the SD Friedrichshafen II. According to the Arkeonews archeology site, Friedrichshafen II was destroyed by an air attacks during World War II, while Baden was dismantled in 1930 and finally sunk. Both ships could transport up to 600 passengers.

The images show the handle of Friedrichshafen, as well as the helmets and arches of both ships found on the floor of the lake wrapped by marine life.

The researchers also announced another “special discovery”: a loading ship almost completely intact with its mast and the preserved yardarm. The team did not estimate how old the ship is, but noted that its excellent condition is a “rarity in underwater archeology” considering its depth and age. The experts pointed out that due to the growth of invasive quagga mussels It has been scarce, scientists could clearly see the intricate details of the ship, including clamps in the bow, mooring pins and a gear ring with a ratchet.

“The finding offers unique ideas about navigation technology and naval construction of the historical ships of Lake Constance and represents an important reference object for research,” said Alexandra Ulisch, a scientific associate in the project.

The project marked the first detailed investigation of the Constance Lake bed to identify submarine monuments, authorities said.

To complete the mission, the scientists first analyzed the batter data, which is the topographic water topography, using multibeam echo sounders. After that, the researchers used side scanning sound to examine the anomalies that were detected under water. After the sonar inspection, the divers and the ROV examined possible places of interest, which resulted in the discovery of the 31 shipwrecks.

The team carried out detailed analysis of objects considered “cultural monuments”, but the researchers said there was no plan to save individual objects, a process that is expensive. The approach, the researchers said, is to preserve the documentary value.

“The remains are much more than just lost vehicles: they are capsules in real time that preserve the stories and crafts of recent days,” said Ulisch.

Lago Constance (known as Bodesee in German) limits with Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Fed by the Rin River, it is the largest lake in Germany and is a popular tourist destination.

• Shipwreck
• Germany