German WW1 submarine containing 23 bodies found off Belgian coast
An intact German First World War submarine containing the bodies of 23 people has been found off the coast of Belgium, authorities said.
Carl Decaluwe, the governor of Western Flanders, said on Tuesday that the find on the floor of the North Sea "is very unique".
"It’s quite amazing that we found something like this," Mr Decaluwe said.
"The impact damage was at the front, but the submarine remains closed and there are 23 people still onboard."
The UB II-type dive boat that was found is 88 feet long and 20 feet wide, and is lying at about a 45 degree angle, between 82-98 feet below the surface.
From the damage to the front of the vessel, it appears that the sub may have struck a mine with its upper deck.
Two torpedo tubes have been destroyed but the lower tube is intact and closed.
Video images show the submarine encrusted with barnacles and seaweed.
It is also adorned with fishing gear, including nets.
Mr Decaluwe said the U-boat was found by researchers.
He declined to provide details about its location until the site has been protected.
He has contacted the German ambassador because "we need to see what can do" with the remains.
Around 18 U-boats were stationed with the Flanders Flotilla in Bruges between 1915 and 1918.
Thirteen of them were destroyed and it is the 11th such wreck to be found in Belgian waters.
Allied warships and cargo ships were easy pickings for the German subs that were launched from Bruges, just across the English Channel.
