HMS Trooper was constructed in Scotland and launched in 1942. During its brief time in service, it sank multiple enemy ships but went missing in October 1943. Live Science
Shipwreck hunters have made an incredible discovery by finding the wreck of a British submarine that sank off the coast of Greece in 1943, solving a mystery that has lingered for 81 years. The HMS Trooper, known as N91, vanished during a secret mission in early October 1943. Its task was to drop off three Greek resistance agents on Kalamos, a small island in western Greece before it was assigned to patrol the Aegean Sea. Unfortunately, the submarine failed to reach its destination in Beirut by October 17, 1943, leading to the presumption that all 64 crew members had lost their lives.
The breakthrough came when a team led by Kostas Thoctarides, a Greek underwater expert, located the wreck in the Icarian Sea, north of the central Aegean island of Donoussa. This area is known for its challenging weather conditions, making the search even more difficult. Thoctarides, the founder of the Greek underwater recovery company Planet Blue, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "The Icarian Sea is one of the most difficult seas with strong winds, waves, and strong underwater currents. However, constant and persistent research paid off."
The HMS Trooper wreck was found lying 770 feet deep in the Aegean Sea, just north of Donoussa Island. Live Science
In the past, the search for HMS Trooper had been unsuccessful due to previous expeditions focusing too far east, where the submarine was wrongly believed to have been seen on October 14, 1943. Thanks to new research that considered wartime reports, Thoctarides and his team concluded that the submarine likely sank further to the west, leading to the successful discovery on October 3, 2024.
Previous attempts to find the wreck were unsuccessful, but recent studies indicated that HMS Trooper likely sank further west than originally thought. Live Science
The wreck was initially detected using sonar technology, which created a detailed map of the seafloor. A remotely operated vehicle called "Super Achille" was then employed to explore the site. The HMS Trooper now rests on the seabed at a depth of approximately 770 feet (235 meters). This marks the eighth wartime submarine wreck found by Planet Blue in Greek waters.
The submarine suffered a massive explosion that tore it into three main pieces— the bow, midship, and stern—likely caused by a German naval mine. This finding reinforces the researchers' theory that the submarine sank after hitting a mine. The earlier reported sighting of HMS Trooper was likely a misidentification of another British submarine of the same class.
On October 17, 1943, the British submarine went missing with 64 crew members onboard and was believed to have sunk close to Leros Island. Live Science
The wreckage has been confirmed through comparisons with original shipbuilding plans, highlighting its significance as a war grave. The open hatch on the command tower suggests the vessel was on the surface when it struck the mine, providing further insight into the circumstances of its sinking.
The submarine was likely destroyed by a large explosion from a German naval mine, and it was recognized through comparisons with its original construction plans. Live Science
The discovery of the HMS Trooper is more than just an archaeological find; it holds emotional weight for the families of the crew members who perished. Capt. Richard Wraith, a Royal Navy officer and son of the submarine’s commander, expressed hope that this finding would bring closure to those affected. He stated, "I am now very pleased and excited that their endeavours have been rewarded. I hope that any family members of those lost with my father may be able to use the definitive location of Trooper as a focal point to help lay to rest any memories of their loved ones."
This remarkable discovery shines a light on the importance of preserving history and honouring the sacrifices made during wartime.
