31 Shipwrecks & WWII Steamer Lost In Air Raid, Found In Germany’s Lake Constance

German Researchers announced a stunning discovery of 31 shipwrecks, including a steamship that was damaged in an air raid during the Second World War.

The shipwrecks were found in Germany’s Lake Constance.

These discoveries were made as part of the Wrecks and Deep Project launched in 2022, in which divers and remotely operated vehicles found over 250 underwater anomalies.

Of the 186 structures investigated, 31 were confirmed to be shipwrecks of historic vessels and also modern ones.

The other 155 objects were confirmed to be natural formations, like plant growth and fishing gear.

Two massive metal ship hulls were found, and researchers believe they could belong to paddle steamers SD Baden and SD Friedrichshafen II.

The latter was destroyed during an air raid during WWII, while the former was removed from service in 1930 and sunk.

Alexandra Ulisch, a project research associate, said that wrecks are more than just lost vehicles; they are time capsules which preserve stories and craftsmanship.

They also found an entirely preserved sailing ship with its yard and mast intact.

The ship was well-preserved, per researchers, due to its resting place deep underwater, which helped keep its bow clamps and belaying pins intact, limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels.

They also found a site with scattered debris, where they found 17 wooden barrels.

The project will continue through 2027.

At the beginning of 2025, a vintage car was found in a similar underwater excavation USS Yorktown in the Pacific Ocean, per NOAA.

Source: Maritime Shipping News