U 861 Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
U 861 Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		55 25.044 N,7 15.142 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 55.417400
  • Longitude: -7.252367
Wreck Depth 18 m
Water Depth 35 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Approximate Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name U 861
Type submarine
Length 39.6 m
Width 4.3 m
Draught 3.4
Tonnage 345
Tonnage Type displacement
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Dec 31, 1945
Original Detection Year 1946
Last Detection Year 1973
Original Source other
Last Amended Date Feb 13, 2013

Simplified Wreck Survey

The German submarine U-861 lies as an underwater wreck at coordinates 55 25.044 N, 7 15.142 W, located off the northwest coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean. This historic vessel was scuttled as part of Operation Deadlight. Survey data indicates the wreck is situated in an area characterized by an uneven seabed and strong tidal currents, which have historically complicated underwater mapping efforts. The site is officially recorded with a minimum depth clearance of 18 meters. The position has been confirmed through repeated hydrographic surveys, with the most recent updates providing precise geographical coordinates for maritime navigation and safety records.

Surveying Details

H573/46 H573/46 SANK IN 552503N, 071506W. (OPERATION DEADLIGHT). 21.8.69 21.8.69 INS AS NDW. NE 2811. H2265/73 13.6.73 H2265/73 13.6.73 AMEND TO USC 18MTRS. NC 2811. H7682/68 3.2.69 H7682/68 3.2.69 SEARCH FOR THIS CONTACT HAMPERED BY NUMEROUS STRONG CONTACTS FROM THE UNEVEN BOTTOM AND THE STRONG TIDAL DISTURBANCES IN THE AREA. (HMS HECLA, ROS DTD 19.7.68). NCA. 13.1.13 13.1.13 [WGD] POSN: 5525.044N, 0715.142W.

Circumstances of loss

SURRENDERED AT TRONDHEIM APRIL, 1945. WAS TOWED FROM LISAHALLY TO BE SCUTTLED UNDER OPERATION DEADLIGHT. TOWING VESSEL, RESCUE TUG FREEDOM, DEVELOPED ENGINE DEFECTS AND TOW WAS SLIPPED. SUBMARINE WAS THEN SUNK BY GUNFIRE FROM POLISH DESTROYER BLYSKAWICA.

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 55 25.044 N,7 15.142 W
U 861 on Wreck Map U 861 Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the U 861 wreck located?

The U 861 wreck is located at coordinates 55 25.044 N,7 15.142 W.

How deep is the U 861 and where exactly is it located?

The U 861 lies at a depth of about 18 meters and is located at coordinates 55 25.044 N,7 15.142 W.

How deep is the seabed around the U 861?

The seabed around the U 861 lies at approximately 35 meters deep.

When did the U 861 sink?

The U 861 sank on Dec 31, 1945.

When was the wreck of the U 861 discovered?

The wreck of the U 861 was discovered in 1946.

What was the tonnage of the U 861?

The U 861 had a tonnage of 345 tons.

What type of wreck is the U 861?

The U 861 is classified as a submarine.

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