Diving on the site
Popular among divers, the Minesweeper, lies on its keel at a depth of 40 meters. It is one of the most interesting wrecks near the port of Hel. The most striking features of the wreck are the 10.5 cm cannon mounted on the bow, two anchors decorating both ship sides, and the very well preserved wheelhouse inside which, divers can admire the original double steering wheel, telegraph, and radio direction finder. The minesweeper’s deck is between 33 and 35 meters deep, making it accessible to most divers. The stern has a distinctive shape that enabled the deployment and retrieval of minesweeping equipment.
Story
The vessel was originally ordered by the shipowner Hans HF as a fishing trawler named Ditmar Koel. In December 1915, it was taken over by the Kaiserliche Marine. It entered service on April 5, 1916, initially designated as HS 8, and later called HS 7, HS 9, HS 12, and HS 64. On 08.04. 1919, the ship was returned to its owner and given the new number HH 68. Starting on 12.05.1925, it was known as SD 147. In 1927, the vessel was lengthened, and from 14.01.1931, it sailed as HC 228. In 1933, it participated in fishing activities in the North Sea.
In 1936, it was purchased by the Kriegsmarine. On September 8, 1937, it was converted into a Hilfminensuchboot (auxiliary minesweeper) Munin. In 1938, it was transformed into a training vessel, with a crew consisting of 2 officers, 14 sailors, and 23 cadets. From October 1942, it was designated DPr 07 and served in the Hafenschutzflotille Pressenküste. By October 1, 1943, it was part of the 3rd Sicherungsflotille under the name Vs 304.
The ship sank on March 18, 1945, after a collision amidst the confusion concerning Operation Hannibal.
Technical Specifications
Construction: H. C. Stülcken & Sohn, Hamburg (yard number 491)
Displacement: 480 tons
Length: 41.5 m
Width: 7.3 m
Draft: 2.9 m
Engine: Single 3-cylinder engine, 1 propeller
Speed: 10 knots
Crew: 16 members
Armament: 1 x 10.5 cm L/45 gun, 2 x 2 cm guns
Text by: Karol Wójcik
Translation: Szymon Rydzewski
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