FIRST WORLD WAR SUB FOUND WITH 23 BODIES

BODIES ON BOARD: A submarine like new find AN intact German First World War submarine containing the bodies of 23 people has been found off the coast of Belgium.

Carl Decaluwe, the governor of Western Flanders, said the find on the floor of the North Sea “is very unique”.

He added: “It’s quite amazing that we found something like this. The impact damage was at the front, but the submarine remains closed and there are 23 people still onboard.”

The UB II-type dive boat is 88ft long and 20ft wide, and lies at a 45 degree angle, around 90ft below the surface.

From the damage to the front of the vessel, it appears the sub may have struck a mine with its upper deck.

Two torpedo tubes have been destroyed but the lower tube is intact and closed.

Video shows the submarine encrusted with barnacles and seaweed.

It is also adorned with fishing gear, including nets.

Mr Decaluwe said the U-boat was found by researchers.

He declined to provide details about its location until the site has been protected. But he has contacted the German ambassador, saying: “We need to see what can do with the remains.”

Around 18 U-boats were stationed with the Flanders Flotilla in Bruges between 1915 and 1918. Thirteen of them were destroyed and this is the 11th wreck to be found in Belgian waters.

Allied warships and cargo ships were easy pickings for the German subs, which were launched from Bruges – just across the English Channel.