U 77 Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
U 77 Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		57 46.267 N,2 14.282 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 57.771117
  • Longitude: -2.238033
Wreck Depth 92 m
Water Depth 99 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name U 77
Type submarine
Sonar Length 47
Shadow Height 6.4
Orientation 120
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Jul 7, 1916
Original Detection Year 1916
Last Detection Year 2024
Original Source naval vessel
Surveying Details SONAR CONTACT IN POSN 574600N, 021312W. GAVE OFF FUEL OIL. (C IN C ROSYTH - AUBD 313/65). H2336/84 22.7.86 WK REPD IN 574615N, 021411W BY LOCAL FISHING SKIPPER. (HMS BULLDOG, HI 246). NCA. H2336/84 30.7.86 WK IN 574617N, 021411W [OGB]. LEAST DEPTH 92MTRS. DCS3 HT 6MTRS. (HMS BULLDOG, SIGNAL DTD 17.7.86). BR STD. H2336/84 16.1.87 EXAM'D 3.7.86 IN 574617N, 021411W [OGB] USING TRISPONDER [4 LOP]. LEAST E/S DEPTH 92.4 IN GEN DEPTH 99MTRS. NO SCOUR. HYDROSEARCH SHADOW HT 6.4MTRS, LENGTH 47MTRS. LYING 120/300 DEG WITH BOWS W AND PROBABLY LISTING TO THE N. FUNNEL AMIDSHIPS IS HIGHEST POINT. (HMS BULLDOG, HI 246). NFA. 28.9.21 IN SEPT 2021 DURING FLAT CALM CONDITIONS A DROPCAM (AN UNDERWATER CAMERA AND LIGHT ON THE END OF A LONG CABLE, HOOKED INTO A SURFACE VIDEO DISPLAY) WAS USED AND THE WRECK WAS IDENTIFIED AS U-77. THE SUBMARINE LIES ON A MUDDY SEAFLOOR ORIENTATED EAST/WEST AND COVERED IN FISHING NETS. THE WESTWARD END OF THE WK IS INTACT AND THE EASTWARD END IS BROKEN UP WITH A DEBRIS FIELD. IT IS BELIEVED THE SUBMARINE SANK WHEN ONE OF HER OWN MINES EXPLODING IN, OR NEAR HER STERN MINELAYING CHUTE. AMEND U 77. RSDRA2024000232785 8.10.24 E-MAIL DTD 19.8.24; KEVIN HEATH SUPPLIED A SSS INAGE OF U-77, ATTACHED AS AN OBSERVATION.
Last Amended Date Oct 8, 2024

Circumstances of loss

Built: 1915 by AG Vulcan, HamburgConstruction: steel 755 grt (displacement, surfaced), type UE 1 u-boat, length 56.8 m, beam 5.9 m, draught 4.86 m (height 8.25m)Propulsion: twin screw, 2 x 6-cyl diesels 900 HP each, 2 x electric motors 900 HP eachArmaments: 2 x 50cm external torpedo tubes (bow and stern) , 4 torpedoes, 1 x 8.8cm SK L/30 deck gun, 38 minesThe U 77 was a type UE 1 ocean mine laying boat from WWI, 10 boats of this type were commissioned and they were extremely successful raiders. The UE 1 boat, U 73, was responsible for the sinking of the 48,000 grt SS Britannic in November 1916 and the U 75 laid the mines that sank HMS Hampshire in June 1916 , claiming the life of Lord Kitchener. The U 77 was not so successful.She was ordered on 9 March, 1915, launched 9 January, 1916 and commissioned 10 March. During May and June she was at Kiel school and first entered the North Sea together with U 76 on 29 June when she joined the 1st Half Flotilla.On 1st July, she was given orders for her first patrol, which was to proceed to the Moray coast to lay mines between Kinnaird Head (Fraserburgh) and Knock Head (Whitehills, just west of Banff), an area where it was believed naval vessels would pass, on their way to the deep water base at Invergordon. We were able to obtain a translation of her secret orders for the patrol.

General Comments

BOWS WNW, LISTING TO STBD, MIDSHIPS FUNNEL

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 57 46.267 N,2 14.282 W
U 77 on Wreck Map U 77 Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the U 77 wreck located?

The U 77 wreck is located at coordinates 57 46.267 N,2 14.282 W.

How deep is the U 77 and where exactly is it located?

The U 77 lies at a depth of about 92 meters and is located at coordinates 57 46.267 N,2 14.282 W.

How deep is the seabed around the U 77?

The seabed around the U 77 lies at approximately 99 meters deep.

When did the U 77 sink?

The U 77 sank on Jul 7, 1916.

When was the wreck of the U 77 discovered?

The wreck of the U 77 was discovered in 1916.

What type of wreck is the U 77?

The U 77 is classified as a submarine.

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