Visit the Narvik area in Norway and you’ll find that the scenery is breathtaking. And as you look out over the fjord, at the blue waters, you might spot an incongruous man-made object. It’s been there since 1940 and was once the proud ship, the Georg Thiele.

This German destroyer was launched in 1935 and only five years later was embroiled in the Norwegian portion of Operation Weserübung – the German initiative that intended to take over the lands of Denmark and Norway. However they first needed to overcome the British flotilla – easier said than done.

The ship held its own well to begin with but came under heavy fire from the Allies. The ship was severely damaged and knowing that land was nearby, Captain Max-Eckart Wolff made the decision to deliberately run the ship aground. This meant that his men could flee the burning ship and escape onto land.

Today, spookily, the wreck of the destroyer remains and although it is largely underwater, a portion of the rusted ship is visible above water.

The site has become one of the most popular dive locations in the area.

TAKE A VIRTUAL DIVE

HOW TO FIND THE WRECK

Z2 Georg Thiele

Sildvikveien 528,
8517 Narvik,
Norway
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie

Jackie

JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.
Trending Now : Hipcamp: Travel For Today's World