U-853

by Mike McCann

The history:

May 4, 1945: Germany has surrendered, Hitler is dead. Admiral Karl Doenitz, successor to Hitler, gave the order "All U-boats cease fire at once. Stop all hostile actions against allied shipping". It has been debated weather or not the U-853 received the order or not.

May 5, 1945: The U-853 attacks and sinks the Collier Black Point. With three hours the U-853 is located by the USS Atherton. After the initial attacks, by the USS Atherton and USS Moberly, of Hedgehogs and depth charges debris were discovered floating on the surface. The debris field consisted of motor oil, clothing, pillows, and the captains hat. However this was only a trick, as the US Navy Task force soon located the U-boat with sonar. The attack had begun at 8:29pm and lasted until 10:45am the next day when the Navy officially declared the U-853 destroyed. The first dive on the U-853 was on the next day in an attempt to recover the Captain's safe where top secret documents where kept. The dive was unsuccessful as the divers could not make there way through the u-boat as lifeless floating bodies blocked the passages. All 55 men on board were lost.

The Boat "U-853"

Type:

IXC/40

Crew:

55

Keel Laid:

Aug 21, 1942

Commissioned:

June 25, 1943

Displacement:

1545 tons

Length:

252 feet

Beam:

23 feet

Height:

31 Feet

The Dive:

The U-boat lies in 130 feet of water of the coast of Rhode Island. The deck is approximately 110 feet, and the conning tower at about 90 feet. Due to the location and depth of this dive it should be considered an advanced dive. There are several mooring lines on the wreck maintained by local shops in RI. There is one on the bow, conning tower, and on the stern. Be aware of which mooring line you came down on.

Pay close attention to what you go up on. Several mooring lines have broke and float as if they made it all they way to the surface. Some of these lines a up 20 or so feet and end, leaving you to do a free ascent.

Visibility ranges from poor to zero, there is little sunlight on the wreck. A good light, and a backup are highly recommended. When you dive this wreck remember the history, you are diving a war grave where 55 men are entombed. There are several spots where human remains are visible from outside the wreck.

There where is some amazing sea life growing on the wreck, huge sea anemones and lot's of fish around.On our way along the port side, just ahead of the conning tower is a large opening into the wreck. Looking down into the opening you can see a bulkhead door that leds into the wreck. It is tempting to drop into the hole and take a peek inside. Unless you're properly equipped and trained (and have a buddy to match) you might want to set such thoughts aside. At this depth there is little margin for for mistakes.

Nubble Light Pleasure Beach Cape Ann U-853 Lake Winnepesaukee