Human history and marine life meet at the site of underwater shipwrecks. After years of residing on the ocean floor, ships can take on a strange second life as a habit for local fish. One example of this fascinating phenomenon is U-352, a sunken German U-boat off the North Carolina coast.
Built in 1940 and sunk on May 9, 1942, the boat now hosts an ecosystem of algae and coral. Thanks to photography from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, curious explorers can take a virtual tour of this shipwreck and learn more about its history.
Amid World War II’s Battle of the Atlantic, U-352 was sunk by USCGC Icarus. Decades later, the ship’s abandoned shell remains nestled in its watery grave. Now federally protected by the Sunken Military Craft Act, the wreck site welcomes intrigued divers for a visit as long as they leave the area unaltered. As the dive slate for U-352 reads, “take only pictures, leave only bubbles.”
Visitors who brave the depths to explore this shipwreck can expect to find red barbier baitfish, amberjack, sea anemones, and more. Marine life has claimed the crash as an unconventional home, giving the wreckage a new purpose. Even turtles and sand tiger sharks have been known to visit the site.
While photos and videos show the ship in great detail, adventurers craving a firsthand glimpse of the site can visit with help from North Carolina diving companies. Companies like Olympus Diving even provide helpful information about what to expect during your visit. At a depth of 110 feet, the ship entices divers for a closer look at this historical site.