Divers find German WWII wreck full of war relics

Two experienced divers exploring waters near the Croatian island of Brač have located a German landing vessel that sank during World War II after being struck by Allied forces in September 1944. Damir Srzić and Bojan Runtić found the military craft at depths ranging from 30 to 60 meters after hearing accounts from local fishermen about possible wreckage in the area. The vessel measures approximately 20 meters in length and remains remarkably intact after eight decades beneath the surface.

The craft still holds numerous artifacts from its final voyage. Divers observed weaponry, protective gear, survival equipment and navigational instruments resting where crew members left them. Personal belongings scattered throughout the wreck offer glimpses into daily life aboard the ship before it was damaged and sank. Visible damage to the hull appears consistent with bombing strikes that occurred as German forces withdrew from the region.

Srzić and Runtić made their discovery after three separate expeditions to locate any of five German vessels known to have gone down in this part of the Adriatic Sea. The pair plans additional searches for other wartime wrecks believed to rest in nearby waters. They documented their findings through underwater photography and video to share details about the historic site with researchers and the public.