U-Boat Wrecks of World War Two - U714
U714
This wreck was identified by Innes McCartney in April 2007 a few miles from the position given in official records. This rather begs the question as to whether the escort ships (HMS Wivern and HMSAS Natal) were GEE equipped, as a higher degree of positional accuracy is usually expected with late war sinkings. Moreover, the wreck is very intact showing little battle damage. This wreck was originally mistaken by divers to be the wreck of the British submarine H11, which lies in deeper water further south.
U714 was sunk on 3rd March 1945 shortly after sinking the SS Magne off Eyemouth, Scotland. The kill was accredited to HMSAS Natal, a newly-commissioned frigate with a South African crew. HMS Wivern later received a share of this kill.
The identification of this wreck marks Innes McCartney's 44th identification of a sunken submarine. Innes McCartney's U-boat wreck DVDs can be seen here. His acclaimed book on submarine losses, "Lost Patrols" can be seen here.
U714's
Schnorchel mast in the deck position with elevator piston.
The
Scnorchel head has fallen off and lies across the open forward loading hatch -
the "wesch" coating clearly visible.
U714's
bow towing slot.
A
life raft canister lies in the debris field on the starboard side of the wreck.
The
HF radio loop has fallen sideways. It shows the very rare late-war rod "kurier"
antenna.
AA
gun mountings on the seabed.
Bridge
compass repeater lies in the conning tower debris.
An
open life raft canister. Life raft material was recovered after the successful
attack on U714.
Open
after loading hatch.
Retracted attack periscope.