Shnellboot S-31

Three diesel engines Daimler Benz and three propellers. The maximum speed of 38 knots. Armament – two torpedo tubes 533mm, anti-aircraft gun 2x20mm. A crew of 24 people. During World War II, it operated, among others, in the vicinity of Malta. On 9.05.1942, it took part in an attempt to intercept the Allied minelayer Welshman. For this purpose, German ships formed a minefield in front of the entrance to the port. A total of 28 depth charges and explosive buoys were set. Shortly after setting, one of the bombs escaped from the tether and exploded while drifting, destroying and drowning S-31. Half of the 26-person crew died. The wreck was discovered on 6.09.2000 about a mile from the Grand Harbour at a depth of 73m. It stands upright on the sand. There is a large hole in the middle caused by the explosion of the mine dividing the wreck into two parts. We can see torpedoes in the gaps of the tubes. Very interesting wreck that we will remember for a long time.