The wreck of U-778, which lies in 70m of water 16 miles north-west of Malin Head, has been identified as a prime candidate for salvage with a view to conservation and exhibition as the centrepiece of a prospective new maritime museum in Derry.
U-778 sank without loss of life, so is not a war grave. It was one of a raft of captured U-boats designated for sinking by the Allies as part of Operation Deadlight, in 1945.
But unlike many of the other subs, which were sunk in waters off north-western Britain often after being used as target practice for gunners and bombers, U-778 foundered, intact, while being towed from Norway to Lisahally prior to its official sinking.
This and the fact that the wreck lies completely proud of the seabed, on a shingly bottom, make it an attractive proposition for recovery. It has been calculated that the sub could be raised using slings lowered from a salvage barge.
One key campaigner for the recovery, Shaun Gallagher, a Social Democratic and Labour party councillor and former mayor of Derry, has said that efforts are under way to establish the legal situation regarding salvage rights over the vessel, which lies in international waters.
Dives are being undertaken to survey and film the wreck, for a report on the prospective salvage.
Meanwhile Trinity House has reported that a WWI wreck eight miles off Dover, reported to be that of U-38, now poses a threat to shipping. Lying at Varne Bank, it is thought to have shifted either during bad weather or by disturbance from passing ships.
The sub now sits just 23.5m from the surface at low water springs. The minimum depth allowed for the safe passage of shipping is 26.5m. Shipping lanes, including cross-Channel ferry routes, pass over the sub's position.
Plans are under way to move the wreck into deeper water. The situation is delicate as the vessel is a war grave, all 28 crew having perished when it sank after hitting a mine in 1918.
Indisputable, however, is that the wreck has to be moved, so a plan is likely to be devised whereby minimum disturbance of the vessel is guaranteed. The options are gentle towage or partial lifting, either by sling or buoyage.
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