U-boat U16: Salvage off Scharhörn ends in dramatic breakup!

U-boat U16: Salvage off Scharhörn ends in dramatic breakup!

In the North Sea, north of the island of Scharhörn, there were recently some unexpected challenges during the recovery of the over 100-year-old submarine U16, built in 1911. On September 2, 2025 at 4:54 p.m., NDR reported that the wreck broke in two while attempts were made to lift it from the silt and sand of the Elbe estuary. One half of the submarine is now in Cuxhaven, while the other half is still under water. The rescue took place under difficult conditions as it depends heavily on weather conditions and tides.

U16, a product of the Imperial Navy, sank during a delivery voyage to Great Britain in 1919, and the crew is believed to have sunk the submarine intentionally to avoid handing it over to the British. Since then, the wreck, which operated at a maximum diving depth of 50 meters and was equipped with a petroleum engine and electric motors, has lain on the seabed for over 100 years. According to the engineer, the last examination of the wreck by the Federal Office of Shipping and Hydrography (BSH) was in July 2023.

Salvage techniques and technical challenges

Rescuing the U16s turned out to be a real challenge. The Dutch Matador 3 floating crane, which has a lifting capacity of 1,800 tonnes, played a key role. Before the actual recovery, a hold suction dredger had to uncover the wreck because it was surrounded by sediment almost up to the waterline. The crane had to distribute the load evenly by passing steel cables under the hull. These technical processes were not only tricky, but also made difficult by currents and limited visibility.

The submarine's breakup during recovery was not only dampening, but a reminder of how corroded and weakened the materials were after more than a century in the seabed. Another problem was the lack of financial support for the restoration, which could result in the submarine ultimately being scrapped. However, an interest in exhibits from the wreck, such as the hatch cover, signals that the legacy of this historic voyage may not be lost.

A piece of history under water

U16 has an impressive combat history during its active time, sinking around 30 ships and being part of the Imperial Navy's training. This historical relevance increases the value of the submarine, which went on combat missions between 1914 and 1915 and was then converted into a training boat. Given this history and the fact that U16 is not considered a war grave as the crew may have been able to evacuate in time, the question remains whether the remaining part of the wreck can be recovered or whether it will finally succumb to perishability.

In summary, the recovery of U16 shows the fascinating but complicated relationship between people, technology and maritime history. The challenges of technical details and the issue of historical heritage are at the forefront as preparations for the revival of this maritime remnant continue.