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German Submarine U-853 (U-boat)


 

Submarine U-853 was a German Type IXC/40 U-boat during World War II. Her keel was laid down on 21 August 1942. U-853 saw action during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II.

On her final patrol, U-853 was sent to harass United States coastal shipping. She destroyed USS Eagle 56 near Portland, Maine. Just days before Germany's surrender, U-853 torpedoed and sank the collier Black Point during the Battle of Point Judith. American warships quickly found U-853 and sank her 7 miles (11 km) east of Block Island, Rhode Island, resulting in the loss of her entire crew.

 

U-853 is a popular deep sea diving site. She rests in 121 feet (37 m) of water. Holes in the hull permit access to the interior of the submarine, though it is a war grave with most of the 55 crew bodies remaining inside.

 

On May 5, 1945, President of Nazi Germany Karl Dönitz ordered all U-boats to cease offensive operations and return to their bases. According to the US Coast Guard, U-853 did not receive that order, or less likely, ignored it. Soon after, her torpedo blew off the stern of SS Black Point, a 368-foot (112 m) collier underway from New York to Boston. Within 15 minutes Black Point had sunk in 100 feet (30 m) of water less than 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Point Judith. She was the last US-flagged merchant ship lost in World War II. Twelve men died, while 34 crew members were rescued.

 

The group discovered U-853, and dropped Depth charges during a 16 hour attack. At first the U-boat attempted to flee, and then tried to hide by lying still. Both times it was found by sonar.

 

 

The Wreck
U-853 lies seven miles east of Block Island in 130 feet (40 m) of water. U-853 sits upright with her periscope rising to a depth of 100 feet (30 m). Most of the 55 crew member bodies remain within the hull, which is a war grave. It is one of the more popular dive sites in Southern New England. The hull has depth charge blast holes: one forward of the conning tower at the radio room and another in the starboard side of the engine room. Entering the wreck is dangerous due to debris, sharp metal edges, and confined spaces.


On May 6 and 7, 1945, Navy divers attempted to enter the wreck to recover the captain's safe and the papers within, but failed. Recreational divers first visited the site in 1953. In 1960 a recreational diver brought up a body from the wreck. This provoked former navy admirals and clergy to petition the US government for restrictions on disturbing the dead. The German crewman was buried with full military honors in Newport Rhode Island. At least two recreational divers have died from exploring the wreckage. Renowned deep sea diver Stephen Hardick perished in 2005 while filming the U-boat. He surfaced unconscious and could not be revived.