More than 30 shipwrecks have been found hidden at the bottom of Germany’s Lake Constance. The discovery was announced by officials this week and includes a vessel believed to be a steamer that was destroyed by an air raid during World War II. The “Wrecks and Deep Sea” project, launched in 2022 by the State Office for Monument Preservation, used divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to uncover a wide variety of ships, from old paddle steamers to a fully intact cargo sailing ship.
Project and Research Methodology
Scientists identified over 250 potential anomalies in the lake, which is up to 800 feet deep. Of these, 31 were confirmed as wrecks, ranging from historically and culturally significant objects to more modern recreational boats. The project was the first detailed investigation of the lake bed to find underwater monuments. The process involved three stages: first, analyzing bathymetry data using multibeam echo sounders to survey the water’s topography; next, using side-scan sonar to examine anomalies; and finally, deploying divers and ROVs to inspect the potential wreck sites.
Notable Shipwreck Discoveries
Among the most significant finds are two large metal ship hulls believed to be the paddle steamers SD Baden and SD Friedrichshafen II. The Friedrichshafen II was destroyed by a World War II air raid, while the Baden was decommissioned and sunk in 1930. Both ships could carry up to 600 passengers. Another special discovery was a nearly fully intact cargo sailing ship with its mast and yardarm still preserved. The team noted that the excellent condition of the vessel is rare for underwater archaeology, and they were able to see intricate details like mooring pins and a gear ring, thanks to the sparse growth of invasive quagga mussels.
Future Plans and Significance
Detailed analyses were conducted on objects considered “cultural monuments.” However, officials have no plans to salvage individual items due to the high cost. Instead, the focus is on preserving their documentary value. According to project associate Alexandra Ulisch, the wrecks are “real time capsules” that offer unique insights into historical sailing technology and shipbuilding. The team’s findings provide an important reference for future research.
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Source: CBS
