U 672 Submarine Found Devon: WWII German U‑boat Identified off Devon Coast

u 672 submarine found devon confirms WWII mystery

A German U‑boat scuttled by its own crew in July 1944 has been located off the Devon coast, ending an 82‑year search. The wreck, identified as U‑672, lies roughly 20 miles (32 km) west of Salcombe at a depth of about 230 ft (70 m).

Missing German WW2 U-boat found 82 years on

The submarine was attacked by the British destroyer HMS Balfour and, after sustaining damage, its commander ordered the crew to abandon ship and later blew the ballast tanks to bring the vessel to the surface. All 52 sailors survived and were rescued by British aircraft and naval vessels the following day.

Nazi sub that vanished during WW2 has been found 82 years later off UK coast

Initial discovery came from a Portland dive team in August. The Gasperados group, based in Plymouth, later confirmed the identity by noting distinctive features such as the snorkel and conning tower. Diver Dominic Robinson described the moment of recognition as a “realisation” that the video footage would allow definitive identification.

Historical records had listed the sinking at incorrect coordinates, a mistake later attributed to a clerical error that placed the site about 46 miles (74 km) away from the actual wreck. German U‑boat historian Dr Axel Niestle confirmed the discrepancy, noting that the corrected position matches the find.

Background of the attack

In July 1944, HMS Balfour engaged U‑672 in the English Channel. Damage forced the German crew to scuttle the vessel to avoid capture. The crew spent the night in life rafts before being rescued. Post‑war, surviving crew members, including the skipper, returned to Germany and lived long lives, with families later expressing pride at the discovery.

What comes next?

The wreck now rests as a protected war grave, and further study may provide additional insight into late‑war German submarine operations. Maritime archaeologists plan to monitor the site for preservation, while historians update records to reflect the corrected location.

For more on recent historic finds, see our coverage of other WWII maritime discoveries.

Sources: BBC, Daily Star, BBC.