U-281 Wreck

Field Value
U-281 Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		55 35.468 N,7 41.470 W
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 55.591130
  • Longitude: -7.691160
Name U-281
Type submarine
Date Sunk Nov 30, 1945
Original Source Brady et. al. 2012, 152-3; GSI Wreck Data; Miller 2000, 27; Möller & Brack 2004, 73; Rossler 1981, 54-5; Wynn 1997, Vol. i, 197-8; www.periscopepublishing.com
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U-281 on Wreck Map U-281 Wreck on Google Map
Wreck No: W10131, Place of Loss: Donegal, 30km NW of Malin Head, Source of Coordinate: GSI Wreck Data No_76., Description: U-281 was one of 577 Type VIIC German submarines commissioned and one of the most commonly built U-boats during World War II. It weighed 761 tons surfaced, measured 67m long and could carry a crew of up to 44 men. It was capable of 17 knots on the surface, had 2,800–3,200 horsepower engines and a range of 6,500 miles if travelling on the surface at 12 knots. The Type VIIC U-boat could reach a maximum depth of 200m and could carry both mines and torpedoes. It was built at Bremer Vulkan in Vegesack, Germany, and was commissioned into service on 27 February 1943, under the command of Kapitänleutnant Heinz von Davidson. U-281 carried out four patrols during its service and was involved in a number of engagements in the North Atlantic. During one such engagement, in October 1943, it shot down a Royal Canadian Air Force Sunderland southwest of Iceland. Three crew of U-281 were wounded during this encounter. The submarine spent much of 1944 patrolling off Britain and Ireland, but failed to sink any vessels. At the end of hostilities U-281 surrendered at Kristiansand, Norway, in May 1945 and was brought to Loch Ryan in Scotland. The submarine was due to be scuttled as part of Operation Deadlight and the Polish destroyer Blyskawica towed it out into open water. It never reached its destination, however, as 30km northwest of Malin Head it sank. It now lies in 67m of water. In 2001 the wreck was identified by divers during the Operation Deadlight Expedition, led by Innes McCartney. It measures 41m in length, 7m in width and 3.1m in maximum height, with an average height of 0.7m. The submarine is orientated NNE–SSW on the seafloor, is in poor condition and lies on its port side. The bow tubes have been dragged off to one side, with all four still held together in the bow bracket, and now the forward end of the pressure hull marks the beginning of the main wreck. A schnorchel with anti-radar covering and air radar warning dipole is folded on the deck. The conning tower hatch is shut, while the bow torpedo loading hatch is open, allowing the interior of the torpedo room to be inspected. GSI Wreck No_76. ----------------------------

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FAQ

Where is the U-281 wreck located?

The U-281 wreck is located at coordinates 55 35.468 N,7 41.470 W.

When did the U-281 sink?

The U-281 sank on Nov 30, 1945.

What type of wreck is the U-281?

The U-281 is classified as a submarine.

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