Shipwreck hunters have recently made an exciting discovery in the Aegean Sea, north of the island of Donoussa. The wreck of HMS Trooper, a British submarine that went missing in 1943, has been located at a depth of 770 feet. This discovery has finally solved an 81-year-old mystery surrounding the submarine’s disappearance.
HMS Trooper, designated N91, vanished after a secret mission to land Greek resistance agents on the island of Kalamos. The submarine was then supposed to patrol the Aegean Sea, where German forces had laid naval mines. However, it failed to arrive in Beirut on October 17, 1943, and all 64 crew members were presumed dead.
After 14 failed expeditions to find the wreck, researchers led by Greek underwater expert Kostas Thoctarides finally located the HMS Trooper. They discovered that the submarine had sunk among the Greek islands west of the Icarian Sea. The wreck was found using shipboard sonar and explored with a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) called “Super Achille.”
The wreck of HMS Trooper has been identified by comparing it to the original shipbuilding plans. The researchers found that the submarine had broken into three large parts – the bow, the midship, and the stern – after hitting a German naval mine. Interestingly, it was confirmed that a reported sighting of HMS Trooper on October 14, 1943, was actually a different British submarine of the same class.
HMS Trooper was built in Scotland and launched in 1942. Although it sank several enemy vessels during its service, it mysteriously disappeared in October 1943. The wreck is considered a war grave and has not been disturbed in any way. The discovery of the wreck may bring closure to the families of the 64 crew members who lost their lives.
Captain Richard Wraith, son of the Trooper’s commander, expressed his excitement about the discovery, hoping that it would help families of the lost crew members find closure. The definitive location of the Trooper can now serve as a focal point for remembering and honoring those who perished on the submarine.
This remarkable discovery sheds light on a significant piece of history and highlights the dedication and perseverance of the research team led by Kostas Thoctarides. The finding of HMS Trooper’s wreck in the depths of the Aegean Sea marks a poignant moment in honoring the memory of the brave individuals who served on the submarine during World War II.