Scharnhorst Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category non-dangerous wreck
Status Dead = Not detected by numerous sources therefore considered not to exist
Scharnhorst Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		71 53 N,27 54 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 71.883333
  • Longitude: 27.900000
Water Depth 300 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name SCHARNHORST
Type battleship
Flag DE
Length 225.9 m
Width 29.9 m
Draught 7.6
Tonnage 26000
Tonnage Type displacement
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Dec 26, 1943
Original Detection Year 1943
Last Detection Year 2021
Original Source other
Surveying Details 11.2.96 VESSEL SUNK IN POSN 60M NE OF NORTH CAPE OR, IN 715300N, 275400E APPROX. (DODS). NCA.
Last Amended Date Nov 5, 2021

Circumstances of loss

WAS AT SEA WITH THE INTENTION OF INTERCEPTING A LARGE CONVOY BOUND FOR RUSSIA. THIS CONVOY WAS ESCORTED BY A STRONG BRITISH FORCE IN TWO FORMATIONS, THE FIRST, COMPRISED THE BATTLESHIP DUKE OF YORK, CRUISER JAMAICA AND FOUR DESTROYERS; THE SECOND, COMPRISED THE CRUISERS BELFAST, SHEFFIELD AND NORFOLK ALONG WITH FOUR MORE DESTROYERS. AFTER A SERIES OF SKIRMISHES WITH THE CRUISERS, THE GERMAN WARSHIP WAS EVENTUALLY CONTACTED BY THE BRITISH FLAGSHIP, WHICH OBTAINED A HIT BELOW THE WATER-LINE. A TORPEDO ATTACK BY THE DESTROYERS WAS THEN ORDERED, WHICH SECURED THREE MORE HITS AND IMMEDIATELY REDUCED THE RAIDER'S SPEED. THE DUKE OF YORK THEN OPENED FIRE UNTIL THE SCHARNHORST LAY WITH HER ENGINES STOPPED AND SMOKE AND FLAMES ISSUING FROM HER DECKS. FINALLY, THE CRUISERS ON ONE SIDE AND SOME DESTROYERS ON THE OTHER, TORPEDOED WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE THE BLAZING WRECK AND THE SCHARNHORST SANK SOME 60M NE OF NORTH CAPE. (DODS).

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 71 53 N,27 54 E
Scharnhorst on Wreck Map Scharnhorst Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the SCHARNHORST wreck located?

The SCHARNHORST wreck is located at coordinates 71 53 N,27 54 E.

How deep is the seabed around the SCHARNHORST?

The seabed around the SCHARNHORST lies at approximately 300 meters deep.

When did the SCHARNHORST sink?

The SCHARNHORST sank on Dec 26, 1943.

When was the wreck of the SCHARNHORST discovered?

The wreck of the SCHARNHORST was discovered in 1943.

What country did the SCHARNHORST belong to?

The SCHARNHORST belonged to DE.

What was the tonnage of the SCHARNHORST?

The SCHARNHORST had a tonnage of 26000 tons.

What type of wreck is the SCHARNHORST?

The SCHARNHORST is classified as a battleship.

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