Ep 17. Mystery U-Boat of World War I

Deep Sea Detectives is a thrilling series that follows the investigations of a team of experts as they uncover the secrets of lost ships and underwater mysteries. In season 2, episode 17, entitled Mystery U-Boat of World War I, the team sets out to explore the wreckage of a German submarine that sank off the coast of North Carolina during World War I.

The episode begins with a brief history of the German U-boats that prowled the waters of the Atlantic during the First World War. These vessels played a significant role in Germany's naval strategy, attacking enemy ships and disrupting supply lines. However, by 1918, the tide of the war had turned against Germany, and the country's U-boat fleet was forced to withdraw to its home ports.

It was during this retreat that the U-boat in question, U-701, encountered a US Navy patrol boat off the coast of North Carolina. The submarine was depth-charged by the American vessel and eventually sank to the bottom of the sea. The crew of U-701 was captured and interned in a prisoner of war camp until the end of the war.

The Deep Sea Detectives team travels to the site of the U-boat's sinking to investigate the wreckage and learn more about this fascinating piece of history. Using an advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the team is able to explore the submarine's remains in great detail, gathering clues and piecing together the events that led to its demise.

One of the first things the team notices is that U-701 is remarkably well-preserved, considering it has been resting on the ocean floor for over 100 years. The submarine is largely intact, with many of its external features, such as its periscope and conning tower, still visible.

As they explore the interior of the U-boat, the detectives begin to uncover some intriguing details about the vessel's final moments. They find evidence of a fire that broke out on board, likely caused by damage sustained during the attack by the US Navy patrol boat. They also discover that the submarine was carrying a large amount of cargo, including supplies and equipment that would have sustained the crew during their voyage.

Using their knowledge of submarine technology and tactics, the detectives are able to piece together a plausible scenario for how U-701 met its end. They surmise that the submarine was caught by surprise during the attack and suffered significant damage from the depth charges. The crew likely attempted to put out the fires and repair the damage, but ultimately were forced to abandon ship when it became clear that the U-boat was sinking.

Throughout the episode, the team also delves into the human side of the story, exploring the experiences of the U-701's crew and their time in captivity. They speak with descendants of some of the crew members, who offer invaluable insights into the lives of these men and the impact that their service had on their families.

Overall, Mystery U-Boat of World War I is a fascinating exploration of a little-known chapter of history. Through their meticulous investigation of the sunken U-701, the Deep Sea Detectives team sheds light on the brave men who served aboard these submarines and the dangers they faced on the high seas.