A rare German World War II torpedo boat has been discovered almost perfectly preserved on the seabed off Preveza in western Greece, marking one of the most significant underwater archaeological finds in recent years.
The vessel, identified as LS 6, lies at a depth of 96 metres in the Ionian Sea and is believed to be the only surviving Leichte Schnellboot (Light Fast Boat) known to exist anywhere in the world.
The remarkable discovery was made by the AegeanTec diving team after years of historical research, archival investigations and technical diving expeditions.
Eight decades hidden beneath the sea
Researchers traced the wreck using German wartime records that indicated the vessel’s likely location after it sank in September 1943.
Using closed-circuit technical diving equipment, the team confirmed the identity of the wreck, finding the vessel resting almost upright on the sandy seabed in remarkably good condition despite spending 83 years underwater.
As the divers descended into the darkness, the outline of the small warship gradually emerged, revealing an exceptionally well-preserved example of one of Nazi Germany’s rarest naval craft.
A search more than a decade in the making
The discovery concludes a search that began in 2013, when the team received information from historian Peter Schenk about a missing Kriegsmarine Leichte Schnellboot believed to have sunk between Lefkada and Preveza while being towed during the Second World War.
“Some hunts for hidden wrecks are measured in metres. Others are measured in years,” the AegeanTec team wrote following the discovery.
Historical researcher Giorgos Karelas played a central role in the investigation, compiling wartime records and coordinating the search operation.
The wreck was positively identified through several unique features, including its distinctive aluminium construction, Junkers Jumo engines, dimensions and the tow cable that remains attached to its bow.
“The fact that the boat was built from aluminium to keep it light, and that it sank while under tow, made it an especially fascinating target for historical and diving research,” Karelas said.
A rare piece of naval history
LS 6 was deployed to Greece alongside its sister vessel LS 5 following Italy’s surrender during World War II, supporting Kriegsmarine operations in the Aegean.
The vessel was severely damaged during a British air raid on Igoumenitsa. While being towed to Piraeus for repairs, the lightweight aluminium hull reportedly began taking on water before the boat eventually sank off the coast of Preveza.
Experts say the discovery is of exceptional historical importance, offering researchers a rare opportunity to study a virtually intact example of a little-known class of German naval vessel.
The find also highlights the rich underwater cultural heritage of Greek waters, where thousands of years of maritime history remain hidden beneath the sea.