Archaeologists discover intact Nazi fast boat in Ionian Sea

Archaeologists and a diving team from AeganTec have discovered the nearly intact wreck of the Nazi fast boat ‘Leichte Schnellboot 6’ (LS6) in the Ionian Sea. The vessel sank in September 1943 at a depth of approximately 96 meters following an Allied air raid.

The discovery concludes a 13-year search initiated after marine historian Peter Schenk identified the vessel in military archives in Freiburg. Historian Giorgos Karelas and his team used historical documents and maps to pinpoint the location.

The 12.5-meter boat is in an exceptional state of preservation, attributed to its aluminum hull. Divers identified two Jumo aircraft engines inside the wreck, a depth-charge release system at the stern, and remnants of a tow rope at the bow, which confirmed the vessel's identity.