German researchers claim discovery of Nazi sub off Azores

BERLIN – German researchers say they have found a Nazi-era submarine that sunk in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.

The Rebikoff-Niggeler Foundation says the wreck of U-581 was found last September at a depth of about 900 metres (2,950 feet) near the Azores island of Pico.

The discovery was announced Thursday, exactly 75 years after the submarine was scuttled by its commander following a clash with the British destroyer HMS Westcott. All but four of its 46 crew survived.

German researchers Kirsten and Joachim Jakobsen found U-581 using a custom-made submersible designed for exploring and filming underwater life. Footage captured by the researchers shows the wreck covered in cold water corals.

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Photos of U-581: http://www.rebikoff.org/U-581/u-581.html

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