Last Voyage of the U-853
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- RI Filmmaker Gregory Pettys and undersea explorer Captain Bill Palmer explore the German U-Boat U-853 off Coast of Rhode Island in Last Voyage of the U-853
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (December 16, 2014) - On May 5, 1945, the last day of World War II, the U.S. merchant ship S.S. Black Point was steaming from Newport News Virginia to Weymouth, Massachusetts. Suddenly, German U-boat U-853, attacked and torpedoed the Black Point just a few miles off the coast of Rhode Island. The Black Point sank in minutes, taking 12 men to their deaths; 34 men were rescued.
The incident left many unanswered questions. One man, Captain Bill Palmer, a former Army paratrooper, Coast Guard licensed captain, and deep sea explorer, has been searching for answers for more than 30 years. His passion for the history of the U-853 became the subject of the book he authored entitled, The Last Battle of the Atlantic. Palmer partnered with award-winning editor and videographer Gregory Pettys of Westerly, Rhode Island, to produce the documentary, Last Voyage of the U-853, which premieres on Rhode Island PBS Sunday, December 28 at 6 p.m. as part of Rhode Island Stories.
Why did the U-853 attack the Black Point four days after U-boats were ordered to cease all hostilities? Why did the U-853 attack in less than 200 feet of water? Why did young Captain Helmut Frömsdorf attack instead of surrendering as ordered? And instead of escaping at flank speed, why did the captain linger in the area after his attack?
For U-853, it was a fateful decision. It would be more than an hour and a half before the U.S. warships could get there, but even then the sub was still hugging the bottom only eight miles from where the Black Point went down. A total of 11 Navy and Coast Guard ships arrived and immediately set up a barrier force, while initiating a sweep search with echo ranging that started at the northern tip of Block Island. The U-853 was eventually located and destroyed, killing the 54 men aboard.
Last Voyage of the U-853 chronicles some of Captain Palmer’s undersea exploration of the sunken wreck. Captain Palmer is searching the interior of the U-boat to try and find the Log Book. Finding the Log could help solve many of the mysteries surrounding the U-853. Captain Palmer knows that navy divers had never found it back in 1945 because of the danger from all the unexploded depth charges surrounding the U-853. It’s been estimated that more than 15 tons of explosives were used to sink the submarine and at least two men have died in attempts to explore the wreck, so the dive is not without danger.
“It’s taken a couple of years to put the story together but it was a great experience,” said Mr. Pettys. “When Captain Palmer goes inside the U-boat over 130 feet down and you see remains of some of the crewmen who went down with the ship, it’s really incredible footage,” he said.
“I cannot understand why Captain Frömsdorf torpedoed the Black Point one day before the war ended,” Captain Palmer mused. Palmer quotes from the account of Hans Gerbler, the radio operator from the U-505, who felt Frömsdorf was young, ambitious, and put his crew at great risk for his own personal gain. “‘I remember what the first commander of the U-853 said to Frömsdorf before we left. They are all good boys, make sure you bring them home.’ And here they sit to this day, in 130 feet of water, off the coast of Rhode Island waiting to go home,” Palmer concluded.
After the premiere on December 28, Last Voyage of the U-853 will encore on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (digital 36.1) on December 29 at 10 p.m., December 30 at 4 a.m., December 31 at 2:30 a.m., January 2 at 4 a.m., and January 3 at noon and 11 p.m. The documentary will also air on WSBE Learn (digital 36.2) on December 30 at 8 p.m., December 31 at 3 a.m., January 1 at midnight, and January 4 at 11 p.m.
About Captain Bill Palmer
Captain Palmer learned to dive after the Vietnam War. After leaving the army with $300 dollars in his pocket he bought some dive gear and a paperback book at Caldors on how to dive. He is now recognized as an expert wreck diver. Captain Palmer has lectured at numerous colleges and universities, including the United States Coast Guard Academy. Captain Palmer’s award-winning undersea video work has been seen on many major television networks. Recently, Captain Palmer was interviewed by director Peter Weir (Master and Commander) about his role in the book Shadow Divers, soon to be made into a major motion picture.
About Gregory Pettys and Pettys Productions
Since 1987 Pettys Productions has provided award winning creative solutions to broadcast and corporate clients around the world. Pettys Productions specializes in documentary style productions for major scientific and pharmaceutical corporations.
My Great Uncle Captain Charles Prior, was the Captain of the SS Blackpoint, the last civilian ship torpedoed in the war, and torpedoed by U-853.
I am happy only 12 men perished, on the SS Blackpoint, and sad that the U-853 was destroyed with all it's crew. Why couldn't they have just honored the orders to stand down, and return home??
Hi captain bill actually met your uncle when he visited bill at his house. Bill also has some interview footage never seen with your uncle. If he could get in touch with you he would be happy to share it
Considering after U-853 left Norway and no communication was ever reported, simple radio failure would explain them never receiving the 'stand down' order. That's why the log is so important, it could answer this question ... ^v^
@@gregorypettys1692 Dawn Winn 122 Lake Molly Ave. DeLand, Florida 32724. I would love to see the extra footage!
Thanks for making such a great video, the dive was superb and so informative I would say this is the best 30-minute video on a U-Boat I've ever seen
Thanks Karen. It's still a mystery and a tragic story that perhaps will be solved one day.
That was a jam packed 30 minutes. Fantastic documentary and dive.
Thank you all. I'm shocked this took so long to come up on my feed. Well done.
The footage of that guy diving years and years before I forgot what year but he was in that huge dive suit and manage to get into that tiny hole . These men on these submarine ships and other men diving into these deep depths are beyond amazing . This footage these divers have is incredible , the skulls and bones of the incredible men who went down with the ship are errie but in other ways so honorable and can't help feel so much for them . They well knew this fate was a real possibility and sure enough came true . It's heart wrenching but it's all the more reason to be thankful for these young men who took on such a duty that at age 31 I hear this 24 year old captain if this submarine with a 50 man crew and can't imagine the weight on the young man shoulders . Yet , these men at that time were cut from a different clothe and I can't help but watch with so much respect for them ... America , Germany... These men were so young and were put into a position that ultimately led them to death but they were well aware and ready for it. But still so young it doesn't matter what country they are from they are basically kids in charge of some intense decision making .. but their actions proved them to be men .. the sense of honor these men display is great . Submarine life is like another world
I get the impression when (if) they got back to base from a trip (esp. if successful) they would be showered with glory, medals, good food, the adulations of partner/s, family, or at least the services of prostitutes. These "fixes" of attention & hero-status appeared to be highly motivating. And many felt they had struck major blows for their Fatherland, Fuhrer & the Reich
Most dramatic wreck dive vid
that I've ever seen ...
This was similar to a story about U534 1 day before wars end. Tge captain Herbert Nollar wouldn't surrender and tried to make a run for it. His boat was sunk but fortunately all but two of the crew survived. Captain Nollar eventually committed suicide. The U534 was eventually raised from the seabed and became a museum ship in Liverpool where it remains to this day.
Praying that all families who have lost love ones during this time in the history of the world this was a great find
Sad story of young men on both sides that should have survived the war. Amazing video!
I see the video has been here for two years… Well it's incredible to watch I never thought anyone would board the submarine. I was wrong. Talk about brave men to squeeze through. I was on the edge of my seat thinking they're crazy. Well if you're still out here thanks for sharing this video. I'll never forget because seeing the board that submarine just blew me away. Take care okay and thank you
Great video. I was a sonar controller in the RN in the 1960"s so I was very interested in this documentary. Thanks for making it.
Nick, excuse my ignorance but was that above or below
@@dwdelve Surface ships.
My uncle was involved in the hunt for the last of the German U boats. When I was a child we used to go to Manhattan where he had a diamond setting shop on the ground level of world trade #1. Listening to him speak of his service was always appreciated. RIP Bill Meikel, the world is a better place for your service.
There so many memories that are packed into this story that can no longer be relived, and that breaks my heart, first off all of your uncles. stores of his life from pre to post war are gone, secondly I have memories like this with some of my deceased family members, and I love visiting the place where my fond memories of them took place, except if you want to go back to where this memory happened it’s gone except for the memorial of where WTC 1 was.
i too had family in the war. one was in england, about 1955. he said that they were on full alert for Uboats. i asked if he was serious and he told me yes. it was not confirmed, but likely
You're a good man captain, thank you for that incredible footage.
Far as I'm concerned - this video portrays THE BEST take on the loss of U-853 and later filming of the wreck itself..thanks to the investigative expertise of Captain Bill Palmer and his crew.
Such an awesome story! I gotta share this with my nephew! He likes ww2 stuff too! Thank you much!
The Penguin was still active in the late 60's out of Key West. I was on the USS Threadfin SS410 as a part of the old Submarine Squadron 12...among the last of the diesel-electric Fleet Boat units. Cool video!!
Interesting fact the U-853 didn't attempt to escape, but remained in the area. Hard to hide is 126' of water even if motionless.
Thank you
.
You should not be disturbing these graves.
Submarines with dead crew still inside are considered war graves and should not be touched.
You went inside and started filming the bones and remains of the crew as if it's some sort of a show..
Let these men rest in peace, they died a horrible death
they were nazi scum, they gave no honor by blowing up unarmed merchant ships, so they deserve no honor, not even 1 iota.
@@jasonmarkson3773 many ships were actually armed.. many were carrying fuel, bombs and ammunition to be dropped on their homeland..so what do you want?
And sinking ships is better than bombing cities or dropping atomic bombs.
The allies were not better, their hands are full of blood
@@chriscool1680 It was total war, and it accelerated by its own momentum. Yet, the aggressors were the
Axis nations.
@@jasonmarkson3773 idiot , you do realize the U-boats were not Nazis right ? Do your history homework. The German navy , the regular army and Airforce were just regular military they were not Nazis but soldiers. It's the SS troops like waffen SS and gestapo who were nazi scum
@@jasonmarkson3773 the uboats were just sailors doing their duty .
I am a retired Navy Officer. It bothered me that that diver was laughing about the bodies jammed in the escape hatch, chuckling about wrapping the rope around one of the deceased mans neck. These were kids, who fought in a war. Show a little respect for a fallen sailor.
Any man who cannot show respect for a dead enemy deserves no respect. I have seen my soldiers give life saving first aid to guys who 5 mins beforehand had been doing their damndest to corpse them ! The ignorance of some people on here is astounding !
@@mactaz6275 absolutely correct have a good day.
You should be recommended the accounts of Navy Diver Ed Raymer in his book Descent Into Darkness. The salvage divers who got into the interior compartments of the Arizona were met with a whole world of gore. I don't imagine a young guys mentality could endure a situation like that.
He was a diver who served in WW2 would have seen his fair share of dead bodies most likely lost friends to German attacks and probably had little sympathy for the crew of the U-boat
Live by the sword, die by the sword attitude so to speak
@@josmo1363 Sorry but any veteran with an ounce of decency is capable of respecting the dead of his enemy. It's what makes us men and human beings. I can imagine the outrage if Japanese divers were to dive on sunken American vessels. You Yanks are always on about God and Christianity Well a basic tenet of Christianity is forgiveness I believe. "Forgive us our trespasses etc etc " Obviously only applies where it suits you.
Awesome 👍 Thank You for sharing! History that needs to be remembered! Wisdom for the Future!
How about some Real History that is Still kept from the world except for some Brave people. Please read on, if You can handle the Real Truth:
I'll say this, as a dive of archeological curiosity and research, this was Fantastic and even at a relatively shallow depth as far as so many other dives on deeper wrecks have been achieved and with so much Live and dangerous ammunition still present, I appreciated this work and all those who took part in it.
What I feel about some of those interviewed except for the one diver in the last few minutes who was the lead diver on U-853 who has my respect and appreciation, but others still had that Gung-Ho BS attitude as if it were still 1942, one of disrespect, ignorance and mockery of the German Kriegsmarine and WW 2, that mindless ignorance of so many in America and Britain of the years of 1940-1945 that were Totally Brainwashed with Lies, deceit and deception because those then had No idea that They were Lied to and thought They were doing the "Right Thing" and innocently did their Duty as expected. What Disgusts me is now 76 years after "Operation Overlord" the D-Day Invasion of Europe-France that Still believe what those men landing in Normandy June 6th, 1944 did so for Our "Freedom and that of Europe" when the whole Damned thing was a LIE and orchestrated for a Totally Different objective. I'll explain by stating the Absolute Truth, regardless of what anybody still believes about this War that NEVER should have happened in the First place, but Definitely should NOT have had America's participation in At ALL!! Please read on:
The Fact is: Japan Did Declare War on the U.S. at least six days prior to Dec. 7th, 1941, but being the Traitor Franklin D. Roosevelt was and in orchestration with the British Traitor Winston Churchill, They Had to have this War and Japan was the excuse FDR needed because Germany was the Real Target and would have Won WW 2 unless America rescued the British just as We were scammed into doing in the First Great War and for the same reason: to rescue the Real Racist Supremacist's World Domination Plans of the Luciferian Zionist New World Order/One World Government that is unfolding right before the Entire World's eyes TODAY with another of""their"" orchestrated Scams: COVID 19!
FDR was not only a 33rd degree Freemason and the ancestor of Dutch SvveJ, (Top Secrets hidden from the American people as was his partial paralysis from a bout of Polio as a child) but was also Owned and Controlled by the Luciferian Rothschild Zionist International Central Banker Cabal and Traitor American and European Industrialist's, Businessman and other wealthy cronies tied to the Illegal and Un-Constitutional "Federal Reserve Central Bank" as was Churchill to the Rothschild Owned Bank of England since 1815's "Battle of Waterloo" scam that Nathan Rothschild used to swindle the British Crown and British 'Subjects.'
The Austrian Painter and German Military was determined to Destroy the Rothschild's plans for a Luciferian Zionist World Domination NWO/One World Government (of which ALL "Free(?)"countries of Western Civilization should also have wanted.... had they known the Truth instead of the Lies and Propaganda) and would have if Not for FDR's Lend-Lease program that was Only meant for Not-so-Great Britain that was authorized, just barely, by the U.S. Congress which the majority had opposed but somehow (wink, wink) was passed. However, it was later found that FDR was secretly doing the same for the Mass Murdering "Bolshevik" Stalinist Communist USSR except "They" were getting Three times the amount Britain was and getting EVERYTHING imaginable (which if known at that time would have had FDR Removed from the Presidency, wheelchair and all, and HANGED for TREASON) which included not Only Progress Reports on the TOP - TOP SECRET "Manhattan Project" but material for the A-Bomb as well!!
Most of this information is contained in the NON-FICTION book "American Betrayal" by Diana West 2013 which should make Every Patriotic American especially Military Veterans Sick and Murderously Angry to say the least. Of course, some in the Literary World, among others Most especially of the Zionist "tribe" attempt to dismiss some of Ms. West's conclusions as Fictional, wrong, misrepresented etc, etc, but she did an Amazing amount of research for this book and Lot's of it comes from actual documents taken, stolen, sold by members etc, of the now former Soviet Block countries after the collapse of the USSR in 1991.
I have asked myself so many times, and So should Everyone else: If the Americans, British, Canadians, French etc, soldiers landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944 could have seen what their countries would be like 76 years into the future, how many would have either joined the German Army or surrendered to them there and then? How many Americans would have enlisted on Monday morning December 8th, 1941 or at all? What would the World be like today if America refused to fight in WW 2 and Churchill accepted the German Ceasefire offer that occurred during what the world was told was the "Miracle at Dunkirk" which was complete BS and Propaganda because the Truth Had to be hidden then as now. We'll Never know now for certain, but what is certain is that unless ALL the Nations of Western Civilization Don't RISE UP and Take Back their countries and their sovereignty Right NOW, then ALL the Lives Lost all around in Both World Wars would have been squandered for NOTHING and a New Age of REAL DARKNESS is just around the corner Tomorrow....
@@constitution_8939 Guess you are trolling. USA MAGA 2020
@@stephenmitchell3569 I honestly don't know what that's supposed to mean, repetition? If so, call it what you want, I Want people to see the view from a truthful angle instead of the made up one, a made up boogyman similar to the New One the whole World is being sucked into today with the plandemic scripted by the same tribe just 80 years later. While we think in terms measured in generations, "They" operate based on centuries just to achieve "their" World Government.
Understand, or was that lost on you? Oh, btw, Trump is working for "them" too and there Won't be a USA at all very soon, just a JUSA.
@@constitution_8939 Funny you wasn't there so you make up your own story! You must be Chinese voice of bull!
Radio messages were not always received by the subs. In the book Shadow Divers by Rob Kurson, The U-869 was originally ordered to the US east coast and had her orders changed to go to the eastern Atlantic. The boat was found off the coast of New Jersey by John Chatteron & Richie Kohler.
My grandfather, Col. I Henry Stern, was in the Coast Artillery in Rhode Island at the time, and knew this story first hand, when the U-853 was sunk off Block Island.
Very good video, great job!
An incredible Video, which displays the real stupidity of war. These guys took so many risks to create this, I offer my humble thanks, well dome guys. Terry Offord
Appreciate that you gave us a living room view of incredible history. Kudos to you & your buds courage
Ty for this very well done and informative vid. May these sailors Rest In Peace. Many kriegsmarine sailors had fear of being placed in a boat with a Kaleun that had a “sore throat” No other type of service in ww2 faced the type of grim perils that the U-Boat sailors did. In one event near the Azores, a U-Boat captain committed suicide during a long depth charging event. Service in these boats was not for the faint of heart.
They were called “Iron Coffins” for a reason.
@Big Bill O'Reilly, the crews on these boats were men just like our crews, serving their country. The vast majority were not even sympathetic to the Nazi cause but they were conscripted just like our draft was during WWII and right up through the time of Kennedy's War.
@@richardcline1337 AW, BULLSHIT!!! THERE WAS NEVER ANY SHORTAGE OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE U-BOAT SERVICE-!!!
@@daleburrell6273 I don't know if O'ReILLY is a veteran . I remember many men who never forgave the Japanese for their behaviour. I would never tell them what to think. It is better to forgive but it is not my place to tell a man who was there and knew what it was like how to react to such people. Would you tell a victim of robbery , assault or rape to forget the incident and not care about what happened?
@@Taketimeout3 ...REMEMBER A MAN NAMED SIMON WIESENTHAL? HE PLAINLY STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UP TO HIM TO FORGIVE WHAT THE NAZIS DID TO SOMEBODY ELSE-!!
"Die Waffen liefern die Reichen, das Volk liefert die Leichen." - "The rich deliver the weapons, the people deliver the corpses" - That's the basic rule of every war fought and every war to come. It is not about bravery and honor. It is about profit and gains.
Totally agree with your comment, wasted lives
Amazing divers ! Thank you !
i have never seen a program like this. it is an incredible story and it makes ww2 seen from a perspective of young guys at the mercy of an older fanatic who ignores reality for the sake of glory. those young men should have gone home, even though they lost the war. a sad ending.
learn history and dont be a moron. germany was split in 2 east prussia was cut of germany in ww1. imagine usa and canada go to war and canada takes the mid center of the usa, and west coast is cut of the rest of the country. that "peace treaty" is just a truce, the country will want to unite again. that was the situation in 1930...
Germany Never should have Lost the War but for the two Traitors to not only "their" two countries but Western Civilization itself: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill --- Scumbags!! Want to know Why?:
I'll say this, as a dive of archeological curiosity and research, this was Fantastic and even at a relatively shallow depth as far as so many other dives on deeper wrecks have been achieved and with so much Live and dangerous ammunition still present, I appreciated this work and all those who took part in it.
What I feel about some of those interviewed except for the one diver in the last few minutes who was the lead diver on U-853 who has my respect and appreciation, but others still had that Gung-Ho BS attitude as if it were still 1942, one of disrespect, ignorance and mockery of the German Kriegsmarine and WW 2, that mindless ignorance of so many in America and Britain of the years of 1940-1945 that were Totally Brainwashed with Lies, deceit and deception because those then had No idea that They were Lied to and thought They were doing the "Right Thing" and innocently did their Duty as expected. What Disgusts me is now 76 years after "Operation Overlord" the D-Day Invasion of Europe-France that Still believe what those men landing in Normandy June 6th, 1944 did so for Our "Freedom and that of Europe" when the whole Damned thing was a LIE and orchestrated for a Totally Different objective. I'll explain by stating the Absolute Truth, regardless of what anybody still believes about this War that NEVER should have happened in the First place, but Definitely should NOT have had America's participation in At ALL!! Please read on:
The Fact is: Japan Did Declare War on the U.S. at least six days prior to Dec. 7th, 1941, but being the Traitor Franklin D. Roosevelt was and in orchestration with the British Traitor Winston Churchill, They Had to have this War and Japan was the excuse FDR needed because Germany was the Real Target and would have Won WW 2 unless America rescued the British just as We were scammed into doing in the First Great War and for the same reason: to rescue the Real Racist Supremacist's World Domination Plans of the Luciferian Zionist New World Order/One World Government that is unfolding right before the Entire World's eyes TODAY with another of""their"" orchestrated Scams: COVID 19!
FDR was not only a 33rd degree Freemason and the ancestor of Dutch SvveJ, (Top Secrets hidden from the American people as was his partial paralysis from a bout of Polio as a child) but was also Owned and Controlled by the Luciferian Rothschild Zionist International Central Banker Cabal and Traitor American and European Industrialist's, Businessman and other wealthy cronies tied to the Illegal and Un-Constitutional "Federal Reserve Central Bank" as was Churchill to the Rothschild Owned Bank of England since 1815's "Battle of Waterloo" scam that Nathan Rothschild used to swindle the British Crown and British 'Subjects.'
The Austrian Painter and German Military was determined to Destroy the Rothschild's plans for a Luciferian Zionist World Domination NWO/One World Government (of which ALL "Free(?)"countries of Western Civilization should also have wanted.... had they known the Truth instead of the Lies and Propaganda) and would have if Not for FDR's Lend-Lease program that was Only meant for Not-so-Great Britain that was authorized, just barely, by the U.S. Congress which the majority had opposed but somehow (wink, wink) was passed. However, it was later found that FDR was secretly doing the same for the Mass Murdering "Bolshevik" Stalinist Communist USSR except "They" were getting Three times the amount Britain was and getting EVERYTHING imaginable (which if known at that time would have had FDR Removed from the Presidency, wheelchair and all, and HANGED for TREASON) which included not Only Progress Reports on the TOP - TOP SECRET "Manhattan Project" but material for the A-Bomb as well!!
Most of this information is contained in the NON-FICTION book "American Betrayal" by Diana West 2013 which should make Every Patriotic American especially Military Veterans Sick and Murderously Angry to say the least. Of course, some in the Literary World, among others Most especially of the Zionist "tribe" attempt to dismiss some of Ms. West's conclusions as Fictional, wrong, misrepresented etc, etc, but she did an Amazing amount of research for this book and Lot's of it comes from actual documents taken, stolen, sold by members etc, of the now former Soviet Block countries after the collapse of the USSR in 1991.
I have asked myself so many times, and So should Everyone else: If the Americans, British, Canadians, French etc, soldiers landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944 could have seen what their countries would be like 76 years into the future, how many would have either joined the German Army or surrendered to them there and then? How many Americans would have enlisted on Monday morning December 8th, 1941 or at all? What would the World be like today if America refused to fight in WW 2 and Churchill accepted the German Ceasefire offer that occurred during what the world was told was the "Miracle at Dunkirk" which was complete BS and Propaganda because the Truth Had to be hidden then as now. We'll Never know now for certain, but what is certain is that unless ALL the Nations of Western Civilization Don't RISE UP and Take Back their countries and their sovereignty Right NOW, then ALL the Lives Lost all around in Both World Wars would have been squandered for NOTHING and a New Age of REAL DARKNESS is just around the corner Tomorrow....
My Grandpa was a survivor of the submarine. When he had an eye Inflammation his u-boat was ordered in the mediterranen sea.So he was left in Norway and was ordered on board of the Prince Eugen- so he survived the war but none of his comrades!
These men deserve to rest in peace. Showing the remains is uncalled for.
great diving sequences & excellent narration etc, thanks !
Courageous exploration of the U Boat wreckage. I felt like I was along for the dive. Thanks for the great video!
I worked with a guy that was a tail gunner on a B-17 off the coast of New England during WW2 and said when the bombs dropped he would scrape what he seen,he doesn't know if he ever shot at a sub or a whale.
Congratulations to captain Palmer and the crew who made this documentary possible.
My Father served in The British Merchant Navy during the war. He served in The North Atlantic Convoys, going up to Murmansk in Russia. He said their biggest fear was The U-Boat and The Weather, especially during Winter time.
@@KJB7777 💯% 👍👍
Too bad for Herr Hoffman, yeah, right. How many artifacts have been removed from the U Boat by divers over the years? It's a grave site...
I grew up at Pt. Judith. My great grandfather was a coast watcher at Hen and Chickens to the east.
THAT is the most incredible, comprehensive submarine narrative I have ever heard..!! FASCINATING !!!! ..🎸☠🎸
Yes. I is the best
Salute to the crew of the German submarines.. you are forgotten.. the brave sailor's
Salut to the war criminals killing civilian sailors that had no way of fighting back ?
@@karelovstakken3692
Dear Karen Lovstakken, even the Allied did it by mistake at sea.. my condolence to those who died during the war.
It is so wonderful in a sad and harrowing way to know, that the men who operated these boats were a bunch of basically high school and college aged kids.
To be 24 years of age and head into the Atlantic Ocean in a 70m long metal tube, commanding a crew of boys on both sides of 20yo, knowing that the enemy is getting better and better countering your tactics by every month that passes... I can't imagine.
What a wonderfull film.Thanks so much
Tough east coast Atlantic watermen! Sailors and divers. Much respect for all who served in Battle of the Atlantic. Many did not come home.
Outstanding!
Geez, it's a war grave plain and simple, no one should be entering any interior of any sunken vessel from any side.
I remember the U boat sunk 10 miles off the Steel Pier. The hatches were welded shut to keep divers from going in. Shells from the deck gun were scattered around the sub on the sea floor.
sr633 >> That needs to be done for all warships that are considered war graves.
A great story love any film or book about U Boats been drawn to them all my life often wonder why???
Rest in Peace you brave men.
I find it chilling that this video has images of human remains. They were the enemy, but still we should be respectful of the dead.
John Chatterton spoke of this in Shadow Divers.
The story is a very interesting one and we should never forget the suffering on all sides that was World War Two. However, and much as I detest the Nazie regime, these men died doing their duty. U-853 is and should be treated as a war grave and be left in peace. No more diving - it intrudes upon their resting place in an unforgivable way.
Tim Johnson
I have no sympathy whatsoever for the Nazis lost in the U boats......none.
They had no sympathy for our merchant sailors and the more U boats sunk the better.
This should be the last dive on this boat . I am glad that this dive was done but it should be the last as it now is a war grave .
@@keegan773 How much sympathy do you have for the Allied navy submariners who also died sinking enemy merchant sailors? Most of the German U-boat men were not Nazis but just everyday sailors doing a job. My father served in Royal Navy submarines on war patrols and helped to sink German merchant ships. It was in the madness of wartime.
Richard Dickson o
I have loads of sympathy for allied submariners how dare you compare the two.
@@keegan773 Submariners on both sides were serving their countries. It is not a case of Our submariners were noble warriors and Theirs were evil assassins. That is why I dare, because I am open-minded and realistic and not one-eyed.
"I'll get that medal even if it costs me my life"
"What about my life?"
"Yes lad yours as well, glad you understand the importance of my medal"
"😱"
Jo Smo, nothing has changed. If you work anywhere near any officer of any service in any country that arrogant attitude still holds true today. They get all the glory and the lower ranks get the blame if it all goes wrong.
Jo Smo , unfortunately it happens, don’t forget in WW1 General Pershing ordered an American assault on November the 11th just before the Armistice came into effect at 11:00 that day. The difference there of course was that he wasn’t hazarding his life, only his soldiers’.
@@richardcline1337 The sad truth of giving importance to petty people.
WHOA great movie .Thank you!
8:50 I met my only uncle some time ago, during the wedding of my christened daughter, Olka... And I was so emotional... First 5 minutes - It just happened - I tore off a button off his suit... And I think we both knew... It was in accord with our family vibes... R.I.P. Uncle Edward!
Zdzichu S. M
They were Natzis
Drive Laken - most German soldiers believed the words of their leader, like all soldiers all over the world did/do. Just a part of them were Nazi’s, and of these a smaller part war criminals. So think twice before giving such comments please
@@DriveLaken Your a real dumb ass. Obviously you are ignorant of history, not all Germans belonged to the Nazi party dip shit but odds are high you would have been as they really targeted simpletons such as yourself.
@@warrenchambers4819
Big words, small brains!
Thank was very interesting.
Thank you for this superb documentary.
WW2 UBoat crews took a terrible hiding going about their Navy's business. Three quarters of these young crew members were destined never to return to their home port after a patrol and were never to be seen alive again.
Regardless of the country that Submarine crews served, they pulled hardship duty. Recognised by the extra money US submariners were paid over their surface Navy comrades.
All hail to the world's submariners all - both past and present.
I found this quite disgusting!..It's a war grave for heaven sake!...
New absolutely correct. I was on this wreck in the early seventies. I don't know how this guy claims that he's the guy that found it been on the charts since the early seventies that I know of. We warrant supposed to gogo inside to explore. I decided I was going to take a peek just inside the hold. But I'm an experienced wreck diver I took my equipment off and went in and I'm wearing a wetsuit which was a lot less bulkier than the dry suit that this dude was wearing. The thing is we weren't supposed to take anything off the wreck. Out of respect for the Dead we left the wreck in tact . But almost every dive shop at the time already had a shoe or a boot or a cup or some artifact that was stroon across the bottom of the ocean. Why this why this guy says he discovered the wreck is beyond me unless of course he did it in 1950 or something. The fact that he went inside of the work shows that he has no respect for the Dead.
no bodies on board. Said so in the video.
I thought it illegal to dive on a war grave vessel. Recently learned that the Canadian authorities have a very steep fine for violating merchant wrecks in the Great lakes like the Edmund Fitzgerald. A special permit application process must be adhered to.
I was in the same impression. This is a war grave vessel, should not be disturbed.
The only way you stop people going aboard and taking anything is have huge fine and jail time
@@MrKarlos1964, AND assuming they have any real morals, too. That obviously is NOT the case in many incursions like this.
@mrt57rn Since it has been violated, the remains should be identified if possible, removed and returned to Germany for military burial.
@@normanmortensen2591 These are Nazi krauts that needlessly killed men
having been on u995 in laboe north western Germany , one of 2 on display, i find it hard to believe that someone would go and enter a WAR grave. The other one is on display in Chicago. Leave those young men in peace.
{// WTF! //} I’ve seen it, as well as an American sub at Mobile Bay. Can’t imagine sailing in one.
@{// WTF! //} Hi Henry, I know there both not war graves my friend , my point is he could have looked at both boats complete ,and leave the sailors in peace .
steve darlington You are right, sir. And, what a nicely worded response you gave, instead of the frequent name calling and insults persons often use today in their comments. Rest In Peace to these sailors and those brave men that went down and sacrificed their lives for their countries. What a pity and waste, we should require the politicians and their sons go first into action and then the common man can consider to follow. Best to you....
N A Z I fanatics. Better off dead.
@@stevedarlington6800 I feel like they made their own beds.
Thank you sir
Sad reminder of the little respect the captain had for the life his crew. These crew members could have had grand kids if the captain decided to surrender.
@David Sike They have grand kids, and that is the mystery about the Third Reich that this world will never know, neither would this world believe it, when they're told it.
@Digger Gardi Mindset is just another word for poor priorities. There are/were higher authorities than Hitler or Durnitz.
Invaluable effort.
What makes this dive any different than any other arkeological exploration or dig? The quest for knowledge, understanding and perspective is what drives the human species. What, Where, When, Why! I have a great deal of respect for the men that lost their lives for this fool of a commander. May their souls rest in peace.
So you would be fine with diving on the Arizona? Pictures of the brave navy crew that died in Pearl Harbor put on TH-cam? It is OK do dive to the wreck, but the line is drawn entering the wreck and filming the crew. That is bad taste at least and would be illegal in most cases.
@@KjartanAndersen ,I asked a question. I did not state a position. I do think it was in bad taste to air the footage of the dead. You mentioned "Where do we draw the line", was it ok for Carter to discrete the burial of Tut Ank Amon? Or the exploration of the Titanic or the Lusitania or the Edmund Fitzgerald? Or the battle fields of the Revolutionary War or that of the Civil War? Where EXACTLY is that LINE and WHO draws it?
As for the Arizona... She has been designated a national landmark, a maritime heritage site and a national grave site equal to Arlington National Cemetery and thus protected by the Department of the Interior, more specially the U.S Parks Service.
I dove that wreck by myself! There is still a torpedo in the stern tube. Someone stole the deck gun!
To me it is a horrific travesty to disturb a grave... I understand the curiosity but how would these modern day divers like people to dig up their relatives??
I wonder what their families would say?
f off
My dad was a Navy diver, part of the job was fishing out bodies.
@@frankquevedo6001 : Whose families, Frank? Just a loadve old bone s lying in the silt.
@@suzyqualcast6269 the drowned sailors. Their new commander wanted his “ broom” on the subs mast. Instead, they all were killed.
I'm Claustrophobic, So I could never do that dive, So your a brave man for sure, You have my utmost respect,
Great job on the dive.my friend,u have plenty of guts 4 your age!
In any show like this any dislikes are the ten to twenty percent who get here in the first place! It is just history! Important history!
You are the minority! I am for our country not getting its ass kicked by another and with all the freedom,wealth and good that comes from being in American you will obviously not get it so go live in South America or Africa! It is made for you! I love America and what it stands for! Also am A Germaine baby who was adopted by an American family soooooooo pleasssse don’t criticize me! I have stories from both sides especially the military family who raised me!!
No fucking way! You go!!! You love their ass even tho they would take us out ever? I am a Germany born German who knows my German family by the way but grew up in the American Militsary because I know European would talk back to you like I am! I have been there and done that!!!!!!!!
mrt57rn FO!
Sp4/Captain Palmer: Excellent brief background of the U-853, though I noticed that PPM&AD school is a far cry from diving! I'm a FEB 1966 graduate, later commissioned and sent to the 612th AD at Bragg and, after that, the first person assigned and commanding the 600th AER&D, then opting for SF. How's that for keeping it all at the same PCS‽ Fair weather to ya!
De Oppresso Liber
I worked with a IBEW LU 90 Electrician named Joe Sapiga (spelling) who told Me He dove 853 many times.
He was about 56 years old when I worked with Him in 1982. He never mentioned
when He did this, but that they brought up a skull, and put a cigerette in its mouth and toasted it and brought it back
and laid it to rest. I always thought it was around 1955 or so, as He said the boat was pristine.
Joe may have exaggerated...
Like on the gold recovery Edinburgh/Barents Sea.
Those guys entering that sub were brave. I'd never have went in there..
Not worth it.
Great Video. Could not get into deep water and Das Ist Kaput
This was awesome.
If one reads the history of the U-Boats and in particular Captain Otto Krechmer, then these U-Boat commanders were true gentleman of the sea.
In the beginning of the war the U-Boats surfaced, shot across the bow of a merchant ship and ordered it to stop. When the merchant crew were safely off the ship, then the U-Boat would torpedo the merchant ship.
The merchant ships then had guns fitted which prevented the U-Boats from surfacing so they used to torpedo the merchant ship, then surface and pick up survivors.
As the war progress, the U-Boats could not surface do to the danger of aircraft and other convoy escorts so they could not surface and collect survivors
That dive was dangerous and scary
very fascinating story of this sub and aftermath.
pros and cons of delving into the sub and other areas of deceased people,soldieers,etc and are always controversial.
seems like the communications to/from the sub in 1945 would have been detected by us navy by then?
also how did these subs replenish supplies operating on our east coast? if anyone knows info on this by book/movie let me know.
john
How haunting was the submariners skull
Wreck survey is best I have yet to see X good you respected the crew remains
subscribed:) love your history vids, good job
WOW, most of the U boats were sunk at sea, imagine that?.
The rest were sunk on the autobahns while take a cruise through the countryside.
The reason a 24 yr. old was Captain of a U-boat is because the mortality rate was so high they had to snatch these poor boys from their cradles to meet the demand.
Its not a matter of age to be an officer. And i dont think he was a 'poor' guy. You must reconsider your opinion for a Uboat kriegsmarine nazi captain, especially in war time. Much more man, than you and me.....
What a great video thanks
I was glued to my seat. The bones.....
What a waste of so many young men. A generation lost.
Interesting
Id love to make that wreck dive, wow what an opportunity. Rip sailors.
Captain Bill is still doing charters out of mystic, we're going to another sub soon
Awesome.
IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY HAD A CHANCE TO ESCAPE AND IN A RUSH RAN OUT OF AIR BEFORE THEY COULD MOVE
OR THE BLAST PUSHED THEM TOGETHER TOWARDS THE ESCAPE HATCH ?
This is a very cool video that is cool you guys slipped inside that old submarine thank you very much you guys are fantastic keep the good work up
Oberleutnant zur see Werner Herbert is the author of a fascinating account about his life on the Uboats, 'Iron Coffins'. Whilst he has been lucky to survive the Uboat war he paid a terrible price, first losing his girlfriend and after that his whole family.
Wanting an Iron Cross is what doomed U-352 also.
I was to dive this about 20 years but the Captain died on a NJ wreck and the family canx the remaining trips :(
Since then my wife's medical issues have prevented me from returning
The wreck of the U-853 is a war grave. And ok you went inside, but was it necessary to show the skull and bones might be the brother or father of someone?
So what, murdering bastrads.
The footage inside the U boat is exceedingly rare. Why? because these are war graves. Thank you so much for sharing this outstanding footage skilfully obtained and at considerable risk; but my heart is torn out of respect for the war grave. Also what chance is there of a legible log book when half the torpedo tube had rusted away.
The bdiver explained that rummaging around for paperwork churns up silt & dust & makes the job of getting out again, or reading your air-guages, that much harder
thank you very cool
I have been to this wreck several times. Amazing site but so sad to see this.
I do not agree one speck on the NO DIVING on a sunken wreck. Fish and critters down there eat everything...If I were dead on one of them..dive all you want... I could cared less..even if I were still on the wreck. I dove on several wrecks in the Philippines...they were sunk by the Japanese...Nothing there as far as a human remains...dive all you want..
It amazes me that bodies were still in taact after all that time in water.
Gregory Pettys The level of disrespect in all this is unbelievable. Someone in the USA should have the backbone to report these people, it is a war grave not a theme park. Shame on you all!
You have more stones than I do, I could never go in that sub
He doesn’t have more stones than me; he just has less humanity than me. War graves aren’t Disney Land.
@@yeoldeyoungin9745 He reminded the world, us more casual people about the horrible loss of life in that war, and gave us a reason to remember what they had to go through for us to be where we are. Let me rephrase all that, shut the fuck up. The bones of the guys don't feel bad about them visiting the site, if there's a heaven up there, the guys aren't going to throw a fucking fit up there over some guys exploring and paying respects to their deathbed. They'd be thrilled over people still caring.
From what I've learned, a person didn't receive the Knights Cross "around the neck" unless they had already received the Iron Cross 2nd and 1st Class already. Did he possess these prior to the engagement?
Gregory I really enjoyed this video