Missing World War II Era Submarine Found 80 Years After Disappearance

Recently, the wreckage of a British submarine that went missing during World War II was discovered off the coast of Norway.

The extraordinary find was announced in a news release earlier this week, shedding light on a historical relic from one of the darkest chapters in human history, as per CBS News.

Norway's WWII Submarine HMS Thistle Rediscovered

The discovery, identified as the HMS Thistle, was made by researchers from Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the MAREANO program, responsible for mapping seabeds in Norwegian waters, during a routine research cruise in the spring of 2023.

The journey to this incredible discovery began with the researchers noticing "strange structures" on the seabed. This prompted them to establish a research location that would allow them to investigate further. Armed with an underwater camera, the researchers explored these anomalies and were astounded when they spotted the wreck.

Senior engineer Kjell Bakkeplass, reflecting on the discovery, stated, "It is not very often that I am in the video room when new locations are being investigated, but on this particular occasion, my curiosity was piqued well before the video rig was submerged in the water."

The Institute of Marine Research later shared footage of the submerged wreck, providing a mesmerizing glimpse into this historical find. Following the initial discovery, Bakkeplass and his team embarked on a mission to identify the submerged vessel.

Conversations with British and Norwegian navies led them to conclude that it was a British submarine. Narrowing down the possibilities, they contacted submarine experts, maritime museums, and professionals in the field, who collectively determined that the wreck was "probably" the HMS Thistle.

This identification was further confirmed when the MAREANO program took another research cruise in October, passing by the same submarine wreck and obtaining a clear title.

Cruise leader Kyrre Heldal Kartveit noted, "In advance, we knew what characteristics we should look for; thus, we were able to identify the wreck as 'Thistle,' but with a small caveat that it is the Royal Navy who is responsible for the final identification," according to MNS.

The Legacy of the HMS Thistle in WWII History

The HMS Thistle met its tragic fate on April 10, 1940, during the early days of World War II. While patrolling the waters, it was struck by a torpedo launched from a German submarine.

Tragically, all 53 crew members on board perished in the sinking, leaving an unhappy legacy in the annals of history. The discovery of this wartime relic comes with a significant historical and ethical weight.

The submarine is now considered a "war grave" due to its sinking during armed conflict. As a result, the British Royal Navy maintains ownership rights over the submarine.

Resting 160 meters below the ocean's surface, it is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. The finding of the HMS Thistle serves as a poignant reminder of the many lost lives and forgotten stories that still lie beneath the world's oceans, waiting to be uncovered.

While the vessel's historical significance is undeniable, its status as a war grave also emphasizes the need for respect and reverence when dealing with such underwater discoveries. This discovery sheds light on a piece of history that had been lost to the depths and highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to explore and preserve our maritime heritage.

As technology advances, researchers and explorers have the means to uncover more of these hidden treasures, each with its unique story to tell. The story of the HMS Thistle has resurfaced, evoking memories of the brave individuals who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during a turbulent historical era.

It was recently discovered that being pushed off the Norwegian coast highlights researchers' unwavering commitment and determination, underscoring the ongoing significance of preserving historical knowledge as we navigate an uncertain future, Business Insider reported.