U-869 Wreck Exploration, 2020
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- Опубликовано: 17 авг 2020
- On August 8, 2020 a team of technical divers headed 60 miles offshore and 230 feet/70 meters to document the wreckage of the World War Two German submarine U-869. The story of the six-year effort to identity this mystery U-boat became internationally known in the book “Shadow Divers” a NY Times bestseller written by Robert Kurson.
My last dive on this wreck was back in 2008, and we were all anxious to see what changes had occurred over the past twelve years……
Time, tide and fishing vessels have taken their toll on the tragic submarine.
When the wreck was found back in 1991 a diver had to squeeze through the circular water tight hatches in the bulkhead to gain access inside the submarine, but now large sections of the pressure hull have been peeled back like a tin can, allowing a diver to drop down into either the radio room in the bow section, or in the after section straight down into the diesel engine room. This was most likly caused by scallop dredges and other commercial fishing equipment, some of which is caught up in the wreck.
But without doubt the biggest surprise was in deep in the back of the diesel engine room. The large daily fuel tank which had fallen from the top of the compartment and blocked our way back in 1997, has now fallen to the deck in-between the two diesel motors. I was able to swim and gain access into the electric motor room with-out having to remove any equipment. This simple swim for me in 2020, was a risky and dangerous maneuver for John Chatterton in 1997, which almost cost him his life.
But the highlight of this expedition was for me to take Andrew Nagle on his first dive inside the wreckage of U-869. Andrew is the son of Captain Bill Nagle who had discovered the wreck in 1991, and who sadly passed before getting to ever dive the wreck he discovered. Perfect conditions and a fantastic dive team abaord the RV Explorer made for an EPIC weekend!
Please pardon the hard edits/cuts as I will not show any of the crews remains on film out of respect for the families, of whom I am friends with.
if you like to more about this U boat and her crew, please visit www.U869.com
The photographic dive team:
Captain - Rustin Cassaway
Crew- Hanna Toft
Andrew Nagle
Richie Kohler
Ryan King
Jeff Goodreau
Jon Haws
Special thanks to Travis the Great!
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Thank you for showing us what our mind imagined while reading "Shadow Divers". Everything about this is just amazing. Cheers.
Thank you for watching! It’s been quite an adventure so far!
Agreed. I read Shadow Divers 20 years ago and have been fascinated by this story. RIP Bill Nagle
I read Shadow Divers about 15 years ago, and just recently reread it. A truly amazing story.
I just read Shadow Divers for first time last year, been thinking about reading it again and this video pops up on my page. Awesome to see it so vividly and enhanced since the days of the original quality capabilities
I always imagined I was in some smoke filled gay bar with this music pumping out of some speakers while I read that book too
It's surprising that, after all these years, there is still music playing in the sub.
Lol, thank you for watching!
@@RichieKohler I didn't know they had club dance music on ww2 subs. Great way to keep the crew hyped for the hunt. I would've been so amped up..... lol. I read the book about this sub, and how your relationship with John developed during this exploration. It was a great book and had/has me fascinated still.
Stereos were built a little better back then😅
@@lycossurfer8851 apparently. But the music... waaaay ahead of its time. Lol. I dug it, though...
You really can't beat German engineering. Is this a sub or a disco in Berlin?
I read and re read Shadow Divers after seeing the PBS documentary. I started diving a little later in life having grown up on a steady diet of Sea Hunt and the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, and started racking up dives and training to eventually be able to dive the wrecks of the Great Lakes. All that recently came crashing down around me when my wife and I lost our son. I promised her then I would keep it recreational from now on. In the book, you chose family and I believe you made the right choice. Through the book, the TV series, podcasts and so forth you have become an inspirational diver to me. We now live in the Caribbean and I dive quite a bit. I find peace in the underwater world. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Please keep going.
First and foremost my sincere condolences for your loss. Your words are very kind and I am glad you have found some inspiration in my life and work.. I truly understand how there is peace for some of us in the UW world. God bless you and your wife...
Thanks for taking Bill’s son on a dive on the U-Who. I can only imagine the emotion, as Bill wanted but couldn’t get down there even though it’s discovery is due to him and his perseverance. Then what John and you did to identify the wreck and give closure to its sailors ‘ families is just great. I am out of words. I just finished to read Shadow Divers, and even thought I’ve got to know you guys through “Deep descent”, it really is after reading Shadow divers that I could identify myself to you and your perseverance. You really did awesome
Although I had known abs been friends with Andrew many years, this was our first dive together. For me it was a poignant and emotional day for all the obvious reasons. Andrew is certainly his fathers son in looks and demeanor, with all the great quality’s of Bill and at the same time his own man all the same.
Good video but the music was a little much for my taste,had to mute.
Thank you for watching
@@RichieKohler did you even read the comment before answering. ditch the crap music.
I did read. I appreciate your comments
@karmsnigguh he for sure read the comment. He just doesn't care what you think about the music. Great track 😁
Don’t knock the music , it’s catchy. We recently used this music , timed to the strobing colors of an Atari 2600 with a cartridge ejected at a rave. It was epic !! Everyone wanted to know where we found this beat and we pointed them to this video. Thanks !!
I just finished Shadow Divers this morning, not long after finishing Pirate Hunters. Kurson is an amazing story teller, and this is an amazing story. But my biggest take away was your depth of friendship with John. Thank you most of all for that.
Thank you for your support and watching! Glad you enjoyed our story!
I just finished reading Shadow Divers, riveted the entire time. I have so much respect for the work you all did.
Thank you…your very kind. I am glad you enjoyed the story and our work!
Absolute legends. I drive past the marina where The Seeker was docked nearly everyday. I always think about this when I do.
Your very kind! Thank you for the nice post!
I’m just now seeing this video but when I was younger I bought “Shadow Divers” and immediately fell in love with it, I loved every minute of reading that book, I have two copies and one is from Robert Kurson signed by you, Robert, and John. Thank you for making my childhood so much better! “Dream Deep!”
Thank you, what a great thing to say!
Being from NJ I read Shadow Divers when it first came out. I was (am) in awe at the devotion you and john showed to solve this mystery and bring closure to the families of these sailors. Thank you.
Thank you! Just did what seemed like the right thing to do...it was obvious to us that if we didn’t, no one else would.
What you guys did for this boat and her crew is amazing. I remember watching Deep Sea Detectives on History growing up and have been fascinated with shipwrecks ever since. Thanks for the video!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the book, and my video.
I read this story about once every 2 years. I have it on Audible, Kindle and somewhere in my dads collection the original Hardcover(He let me read it all those years ago, and got me certified at 12, Thanks dad!). As a new dad, I can't wait to share this story of adventure with my son when he comes of age, just gotta re-cert between now and then, lol! Thanks for the inspiration! I try to live like its my last every day!
Wow, 3 Generations enjoying SD and enjoying the UW world! Thank you for kind words.
Thank you for the text narrative that provided the changes that occurred between 2008-2020.
It was a labor of love!
Started diving when I was 11 and I recently read “Shadow Divers” and I absolutely loved it, it’s incredible what you and John have done and all of the ones who were lost along the way to figure out an important piece of WW2 history, great video
Thank you for your comments!
Wow. Great video. As a fan of ‘Shadow Divers’ and ‘The Last Dive’, this footage proved to be very interesting! I’ve been diving since ‘84 and live on the NC coast so I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow up diving some great wrecks, including 3 U-boats, but nowhere near what you’ve accomplished! Much respect to you and Mr. Chatterton, sir. Your appreciation of history and respect for these wrecks and the sailors who perished on them is very admirable. Thanks for posting. -Jay
Thank you for your kind words...
So amazing to see. I just finished shadow divers for the second time, and was just as engrossed as the first time I read it. Happy to see an updated video of the wreck to go along with the images in my mind!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed SD and my video!
You and everyone involved in this are amazing . Thanks so much .
Thanks for the kind comment and for watching!
Amazing footage Ritchie, thanks so much for posting this. I read a book years ago about diving the Andrea Doria and that led me to Shadow Divers. I admire your courage, tenacity and deep respect for diving a war grave. In the end you brought closure to families that had lost their own. Respect dude. Stay safe and healthy and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Cheers,Chris.
Chris, thanks for the kind words! Dive safe!
Thanks for sharing this update. I enjoyed Shadow Divers and the Nova special, and it’s fascinating to see the changes in the wreck over the years. It’s apparent how much respect you and John Chatterton have always had for the servicemen who perished on the U869, and you risked a great deal to bring closure to their surviving family members. I always enjoy watching and reading about both of your diving adventures.
Thank you! Your very kind...JC and I just did what seemed right. No one is more surprised at the way it all worked out more than us! I am glad you enjoyed the story and my video!
From the moment I read (and reread and reread) "Shadow Divers" some 15 years ago, I've been a HUGE fan of you and John. Great to see this update on the "You-Who!"
thank you for the kind words!
Great Video!...I met a German Submariner here in Australia a few years back,he moved to Brunswick Victoria,never knew his full name,however,everyone called him "German Jack'",very quiet old guy,as he got older,I used to do his shopping for him,he had a Iron Cross 2nd Class which he left to me after he died back in 1992...(I checked with Immigration after GJ died and found out his real name and investigated his family connections).I returned the Cross to his family back in Germany,however,they returned it back to me,to say THANK YOU for looking after him,DAMNED NICE THING TO DO!...Apparently GJ never wanted to stay back in Germany,and immigrated to Australia in 1948...Just thought you would be interested!
Thanks for watching and sharing that very cool story!
Thank you for sharing this. Its good to see what I read about in Shadow Divers all those years ago. The book is what drove me to get certified in SCUBA.
Obviously the wreck has changed in the last 25 years but I am glad that you enjoyed the video and the book! Thank you for watching and safe diving
Such an invigorating and inspiring story. Thanks to all those involved, both living and deceased, for the dedication, sacrifice, and unrelenting pursuit of this piece of history. Cheers from the pacific side.
Thank you for your kind words. We all just did what seemed right.
John Chatterton made of this wreck one of my favorite documentaries of ww2 germans U boats. Cheers from Brazil.
Thank you for watching!
I never thought I'd want to take a pill while researching u boat wrecks, but you chose a kicking tune
Last video I saw on this was John Chattertons, it's absolutely amazing to see her in this much detail. Didn't know there was torpedoes still on board! Also thank you for not showing any of the fallen. Respect to you and your crew.
Great Video! ✌
Thank you Jacob! It was great to see the boat again after so long...glad you enjoyed the footage.
After 75 years there are no bodies left, having disolved into nothing.
@@TXARNGarmy100 it very much depends. No one body of water is the same, some parts of the sea are excellent at preserving things such as human remains and others, not so much. A Greek vessel from over 4000 years ago was found in the Mediterranean and it had a fully intact human skeleton inside of it. The Bismarck for example is at such an extreme depth with virtually no oxygen, that the ship has practically no rust on it and no bacterial growth. Basically the ship looks almost as good as she did when she went down. I am pretty certain that if you went inside of her, you'd see some human remains in there that still looked pretty 'fresh'
@@TXARNGarmy100 They found remains during the "U-Who" days in the '90s. When they raised the turret of the USS Monitor, they found bones in the mud.
Wow just seeing the size of your equipment you had to carry with you and the tiny rooms in the Sub is incredible. Of course I read Shadow Divers, but I couldnt have imagined it this claustrofobic. So much respect for what you guys have done, how you handled the identification with respect to the veterans by telling their stories in the book and letting them live on in memories because of that. Then I read you brought Nagle Junior and my mouth dropped. The circle is complete it seems. Just amazing...
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! it’s certainly been one heck of a ride through the years. Diving with Andrew Nagle was very bittersweet and touched me deeply.
This is amazing, such an awe inspiring dive. I would kill to be able to dive U-869. After reading Shadow Divers seeing U-869 over video is pretty awesome.
Thank you! pretty amazing to see how much it’s changed since the discovery 25 years ago!
Absolutely fascinating video, thank you for all that you have done to give these men the resolution they deserved and showing us the wreck.
Thank you!
Hey Richie love the video. You and John inspired me to start diving now im a PADI certified diver and got to explore some wrecks myself after Shadow Diver i was hooked then read Pirate Hunter. Ive watched Deep sea Detectives. I hope you Chatterton and Mettera get some more dives in, you are no spring chickens anymore. Thanks for what you all have given to me.
Thanks so much Mark I know I’m not getting any younger, but I’m still doing the dives and having a great time. Be safe and explore the world, my friend!
Great video! I just finished rereading Shadow Divers this morning. My wife used to pet sit your parrot. I'll never forget the tour you gave me of your diving soveneurs.
Thank you! Amy was quite a bird!
Excellent footage. As a former Navy Master Diver, I enjoyed reading Shadow Divers and what you all went through during the discovery dives on this U-Boat. Hoo-Yah!
Go Navy Divers! Hooyah! Thanks for watching and your kind comments!
I found this video just after finishing the book "Shadow Divers" and watching the Nova episode "Hitler's Lost Sub". This is a fascinating story and I'm glad Richie Kohler returned to see how things have changed. I am sure photography and video has changed, being digital and more detailed, but it makes me wonder what has changed in dive technology. When the U-869 exploration began, diving to 230 feet and staying long enough to explore was very risky. Now divers are pushing much deeper boundaries.
Yes diving and camera technology and techniques has grown to a point we didn’t imagine possible back in 1997. I can only imagine where it will take us in another 20 years!!!
I just finished the book Shadow Divers and found this today. One of the best stories I’ve ever heard. Thanks for a trip through history and solving this mystery.
Thank you for your support! Glad you enjoyed the book and video!
As a counselor I’m always looking for inspiring stories and people who overcome tragedy. You embody not only a survivor but someone who thrived amidst the hardships to reach goals, kept loving, and did what needed to be done.
You know that it was a personal journey of personal self discovery (for me) as much as it was one of an underwater mystery. The discovery helped me find the good (reaching out to the families) in the horror of a wartime loss a d along the way, I found I had changed more than I could have ever imagined
This continues to be an incredible story. I can't wait for a movie to be made.
Thank you! I cannot wait either!
Yes pelease!!
Hats off, Richie. Great work!
Much appreciated! Thanks for watching!
Thank you, your very kind! I have just followed my heart and passion and somehow, it has lead me here!
Awesome stuff Richie! I bet it was a mind blower seeing the change, thanks for sharing!
It is, and also makes me realize how fragile everything really is...
Richie Kohler amen to that
Thanks for sharing this Richie. Great video.
God you liked it!
I've read Shadow Divers a lot of times, thanks for show us this dive dream
Thank you for watching! It has been quite an adventure!
Oh wow, Thank u for these amazing pictures! And special thank you and your colleagues finding and exploring that uboot in the 90s.
My grandmas brother died on that sub. She‘s still alive. I’ll show her the video asap!!
Also in thoughts for the three heroes who didn’t made it… ❤
I would like very much to hear more about your great uncle! What was his name? If you like, please email me directly at rakohler@aol.com
Met you back in 2006 Chicago five expo. You have always been an inspiration Richie
*dive
I remember!
Fabulous video. It makes ‘shadow divers’ and ‘the last dive ‘come alive.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Shadow Divers made a great impact upon me when I read. I was also humbled by yours' and John's dedication to bringing closure for the families of U-869. As a former Master Mariner I know how unforgiving a Mistress the sea can be.
I hope you shared this video with John Chatterton :-)
Keep well, keep safe and keep posting.
thank you and yes, I speak to JC quite often!
@@RichieKohler Glad to hear that as I found the way your relationship with JC developed another great part of Shadow Divers.
Fascinating to see what's happened to her since "Shadow Divers". How cool to have Andrew Nagle with you! And super to see the infamous fuel tank (the one thing trying to keep you and John from uncovering the U-boat's secret identity) lying harmlessly out of the way.
Absolutely amazing.
Thank you!
Great Stuff. Incredible visibility and history.
Thanks!
Thanks for showing such a great dive
Thanks for watching!
Nice video Richie, many thanks for sharing!
Thank you brother! Coming from you that’s a real compliment! Looking forward to diving with you again soon!
@@RichieKohler Cheers, but I think that you are confusing me with Rich Stevenson:))
No Stewie, I was there, I know who is really making the shots pop!!!
currently reading 'Shadow Divers' - a seriously INTENSE book!!!
Thank you! When your done please check out my website www.U869.com
What an adventure, love the music too, the sonar so fitting, aye
Incredible this story has been for John Chatterton, myself and the others involved. Thank you for watching!
Been diving 30+ years and my chest still gets tight watching those close quarters. Amazing visibility inside. My crew and I found the main hatch cover from the U352 off Morehead City, NC. Took two 150lb lift bags to bring it to the surface. Amazing piece down to the brass cotter pins.
Thank you for you nice comments! send a pic of the cleaned up hatch!
@@RichieKohler well, hello there. Pictures will have to wait until I can dig out an old computer, but will do. We soaked it water with bicarbonate and ran a current through it. Cleaned up nicely. Pic pending.
Great video!
Thank you for watching!
Awesome to see this after re-reading Shadow Divers!
Thank you for watching, I am glad you enjoyed the book!
@@RichieKohler Yes sir, the respect and diligence you showed to the wreck and to the families is an absolute class act.
Great video Richie
Thank you for watching
In regards to the crew remains, how many crewman do you think you came across? Was there anything left of their uniforms? Anything else you can share about them?
There were 56 crewman aboard the U869 at the time of her loss. When I first dived the wreck back in 1996 , there was human remains still visible in tighter uniforms. As of my last visit 24 years later the submarine has been breached in numerous spots by commercial fishing boats and salt water deterioration. This allows greater water flow and a majority of the human remains to dissolve. What other bones are visible I do not film and we never did. I you this out of respect for the families of the crew. I am sure there is still other remains underneath the silt but we do not disturb them in any way. If you would like to know more about the crew please visit my website www.u869.com
Thank you for watching!
I have noticed a human skull lodged on the starboard wall of the forward torpedo room. Torpedo propellers, disappeared! Souvenirs hunters perhaps????
@@longinogiorda149 thank you for watching. I did my utmost NOT to film the remains, angling the camera or simply not filming when it was required. I do this out of respect for the families of the fallen. Obviously I did not notice that. The propellers are still there, under the circular shroud that was put on to protect them.
@@RichieKohler thank you. It was eerie sight. And a young person too. Perhaps the blast smashed it there. As I had read the book it might have been a ' circle run' of its own torpedo......
Epic. That’s what you call a wreck dive
Thanks!!!
@@RichieKohler thanks for sharing it buddy
Wow!...Richie, the water looked all most pristine.
Thank you for the nice comments! It was definitely one of the better days on the wreck!
Pretty sad. God rest these brave men. Glad there could be a report on what happened to them for the families.
Thank you for your kind words
@@RichieKohler You're the one that dived this sir?
Yes. This is my video and I am one of the divers who helped to identify this wreck. That work is detailed in the book Shadow Divers.
The best video review !!
Wow, thanks!
Wow, fantastic film that brought back some great memories of the 869 back in 2004 aboard the Eagles Nest.
She certainly looks different now !!
Thank you!
Did we ever get to dive the rack together? I’m not sure I know you by your RUclips Tag....
Richie Kohler, my name’s Joe Augusto.
I trained with Tom Huff open circuit trimix thru closed trimix back in 2000 - 2005. I’ve been out with Captain Howard and Capt Zero but mostly up here in Ma.
I haven’t been diving since an accident in October of 05.
@@lowprofile2412 well the ocean misses you Joe! Time to get wet man!
Richie Kohler
Ya well that’s not going to happen anytime soon.
I got bent pretty bad on the wreck Northern Light (s) in Key Largo in 05.
You can read it on Rebreather World, if that site is still up.
My best friend had an O2 hit at our first stop @ 135’ and I brought him up.
As someone said, you can deal with bent, you can’t deal with dead.
Man that’s terrible. I hope you had a full recovery...Did your partner survive?
thank you for sharing, Ironically I happen to be re-reading shadow divers ! Also I saw Nagle's name on one of your facebook posts about you re-visiting this wreck and wondered if he was a son/relative of Bill's
I am glad your enjoying my posts! Thank you for the feedback
Sad and amazing story, mr Kohler and mr Chatterton, and big job of research, and developing, compliments... Now in high resolution, very good. Best regards. Saluti
Marco, thank you for your kind words and for watching. It is amazing how the technology we use as divers has changed so much in 24 years!
Yes, that's true, sir! I read the book many years ago (20y maybe?) And watch a lot of old picture about you all, So much differences between that time and now. That's amazing
Great footage. Its amazing how a family member of one of the sailors on this U-boat actually lives in Maryland. She came forward after watching the documentary of you guys identifying this boat. I am curious do you guys do charter dives to this wreck? I just have a normal certification, but this is a wreck I would love to dive. I live in NJ
Thank you for the post! Yes the sister of Otto Brizius, coincidentally the youngest man aboard, lives in MD. We are still good friends! I don’t run dive charters but there are a number of boats that still occasionally visit the site. I hope you one day are able to visit the U-Who one day!
Great Vid Nice dive. Cant take good viz for granted LOL, Used to do Commercial Dive work
Thanks for watching!
6:40 If the music hadn't covered it up, the conversation went like this
"Facehugger! Back out Jim, back the way you came mate"
"What? Whats going on up there?"
"Facehugger, gotta go...turn round.....go go go go go."
"Shit shit shit....wait lemme just check these dials first, those look cool"
Lol!
That was an awesome book
Thanks, it was a fantastic once in a lifetime adventure!
Nerven wie Stahlseile die Taucher !Hut ab
,Mir hat's gereicht durch ein U Boot zu laufen ist verdammt eng!!!
Thank you for watching
Incredible video, Richie. Thanks so much for sharing. I've read Shadow Divers a dozen times over the years and your exploits were, in many ways the motivation for several of my submarine novels. (The Indomitable Patriot: the Submariners, Patriot: the Aviators, They Stood Above The Rest, The Patriot Chronicles: Operation Crimson Tide, etal). I'll be watching all the other videos on your RUclips channel. It would be great if you could put together some videos from the past of some of your epic dives, such as the Dora... etal. I am curious what the large, tank type object was when you stick your head in the after-room hatch. All Best!
Thanks for watching! I will continue to post more videos in the months ahead, now that restrictions are easing and traveling permitted. Wishing you great success with your writing!
BoB Werner here - Nice work Richie.
Thank you!
Do you and john still talk ? I'm just curious because I've seen a few of the documentaries that you two were in when they were aired on the History Channel 12 to 13 years ago and I'm glad you two are still doing what you're doing best, keep up the good work and have a great dive :)
Thank you for your post! Yes I do still speak with John and we both are still diving. What an adventure this has been!
Great video Richie, thank you for sharing it. I read Shadow divers (several times actually) and this really gives some perspective. We also have a good few U-Boats we dive here around the UK (as well as a few British Submarines). On the ones we dive penetration is not possible mostly because they are protected as war graves, it is not possible to get inside or the wreck is pretty much flat. Sadly a good few of our wrecks have been badly damaged by scallop dredgers, one U-Boat i dive actually has the dredger wrapped around the bow and has done considerable damage to a war grave (vessel was lost with all hands). I hate scallop dredgers.
thanks man!
@Mark Weaver, lol. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who read ‘Shadow Divers’ multiple times! Great book!
@@jdog3708 yup, Shadow Divers, Pirate Hunters, Deep Descent, Dark Descent and The Last Dive to name a few.
Congrats! I just got my ANDP from TDI this summer. I heard the helium voice?
How long was bottom time (including descent) and then the resulting decompression? Thanks!
Actually, congratulations to you for your accomplishment on your recent certification! You are correct you did hear the helium in my voice, and as I am diving a rebreather, you are not hearing any bubbles and you can hear me talking through the breathing loop. My bottom time on the bottom was about 40 minutes And I believe that my total runtime, including decompression was probably 2 1/2 hours
Remarkable dive and discovery. At least the crew is remembered after your intense work. I find it difficult to forgive anyone in the service of Nazi Germany, but as sailors attempting to do a job and not get killed, well, they're just men like the rest of us. They paid the highest and worst price. God grant them peace and rest.
I couldn’t have said it better! If you want to know more about the men of this boat, please visit my website www.U869.com
Didn't know a techno remix of Das Boot's theme (great movie) existed :D Nice video !
Lol! Thanks for watching!
There is atleast a couple of different versions over the years
excellent video.
Thank you very much!
Awsome Video 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you!
Just subscribed. I've read Shadow Divers several times and I always wondered if you had ever visited the wreck after the identification. I am a bit concerned about your and other divers safety in performong these dives. If the deterioation that's occured has or had caused that fuel tank to fall, what's to say that a catastrophic event won't occur while inside the hull? Obviously, safety is a priority for you and the others, but I would be very nervous in that wreck. Last question and forgive my ignorance, but the torpedoes, though not armed, are still potentially explosive - aren't they? Or will they always remain inert?
Thank you for your kind interest abs concern. We are ever vigilant to make sure conditions are as safe as they can be, but there is always inherent risk of entrapment. We mitigate that risk with training and use of specific equipment that “helps” but never fully removes the risk.
I’m no diver and as a matter of fact, if you get me into the ocean above my ankles, you’ve accomplished something. The History X video caught my eye because of the U Boat. The video was interesting and entertaining. What I was curious about was, where did the deck gun go? You’d think if the forward gun was blown off, at that depth it would have landed next to the wreck.
Also, you’re getting too much hate for you’re music selection. That’s U96 Das Boat… I’m not ashamed to admit I have it on CD. 😂
Thanks for listening to the History X podcast watching my video. The late war type IXC40 variant had the forward and aft deck guns removed. Larger AA weapons were fitted to the conning tower. This was because the U boats were no longer dominant of the surface due to allied presence and aircraft dominating the N Atlantic. The big deck gun added weight and slowed the time required for a crash dive. If you want to learn more about the U869 late war modifications go to my website www.u869.com
Thank you!
So damn awesome!
Thank you!
The Das Boot music is great!
Yeah man!
Hey Richie long time fan, curious as to how you guys handle EOD if that’s even a concern so many years since she sunk. Waters a comfort but 600 pounds of TNT/HND mix sounds like a precarious thing to be around.
seriously we try not to f with the torpedoes at all. the ones in the crew quarters do not have the detonators installed and the ones in the tubes are pretty well protected. me personally, i don’t touch them at all
hi Richie this is George from singletary great video
Thanks George!!
Amazing video. Thanks for posting. I thought the music was great.
Thanks for watching!
Great piece of fliming. Will this film be shown on TV sometime in the future? Also, always interested in the kit used on these deep dives. What rebreathers were you using on this project?
This believe it or not, is all I phone and Go-pro footage shot just for fun! Amazing how much better the technology is today than 25 years ago! I was using a JJ CCR on this dive and a hero black 6 in a golem gear housing with two 100 watt big blue lights. Thank you for watching!
@@RichieKohler Thanks for that Richie - amazed about the iPhone videography - less so by the GoPro - they're amazing little devices. Without them there'd be so very much less POV filming. JJ CCR's seem to be winning a very large percentage of the CCR Rebreather market, unsure why. From your experience and knowledge is there a particular reason they're being chosen? If I still able to dive, my next certification would have been CCR but at least I got SCR certified!
BTW - I really appreciate your rapid personal and informative response to questions and comments - few people on here do that.
PS Steve Gardner is TheManunderwater - like Clark Kent is Superman............
Can’t answer why the JJ CCR is so popular with others but I can tell you I like for the back mounted counter lungs, the Shearwater electronics and its robust construction and design. I still own and dive an Evolution and I am certified on four other CCR as well. I am sure something else will come along that will catch my eye. I like to tell people to love the technology, not the unit. Like cars, you will eventually find something better/newer/fit for purpose.
Is it possible to dive this wreck if you’re certified and have some experience? If so, who/what would be the easiest way to get out there and do it?
Yes, there is a few dive boats (Independence II, Gypsy Blood,) that run regular charters to the site. If you have the certification and experience look them up. Thank you very much for watching
@@RichieKohler thank you
you re brave man this is very dangerous wreck
I don’t particularly think I’m brave, experienced and curious mostly.
@ 5:25 - on the middle, on the floor: the pressure cylinder, which John Chatterton had to remove from the boxes with a hammer. The flower-like valve-knob is clear visible.
Yes indeed it is! Thank you for watching!
I loved listening to the audiobook of "Shadow Divers", Richie. Are any of the crew's brothers and sisters still alive, and are you still in contact with them?
Glad you enjoyed SD! I have been in contact with 17 of the crews families over the years and maintain contact with a few of them, including great nieces and nephews, some of which now are Americans!
Great video Mr. Kohler but bad choice of music for sure.....actually had to turn it off. Was able to watch it on History X with much more relaxing sountrack.
Thanks for watching!
well thanks for watching
Great video, this is definitely bucket list territory. Curious if anyone has ever found anything that identifies the wreck as U869 besides the parts box from the electric motor room.
To the best of my knowledge, no. The tags from the spare parts box are the only ones 100% positive identification. The “Horenburg” knife was circumstantial as there was no way of confirming he was aboard this boat, or had someone “borrowed” the knife etc. His presence aboard was although ultimately confirmed by the tags.
Amazing all the silt comaperd to 1991 video
Indeed, but at the same time as the wreck breaks down there is easier access and in some places less silt. But that does facilitate a faster pace to the deterioration. Thank you for watching!
love the techno
As a retired "Sat" man, really appreciated the dive, but please Guys leave out the music!
I bet you have stories to tell! Thanks for watching!
NOVA/PBS aired a vid sometime back.... the U-boat history keeper didn't believe it until a builder's plate was shown to him..... previous record had U869 sunk off Africa...
That program was called Hitlers Lost Sub and detailed the work done by myself, John Chatterton and few others to identify this wreck. That story ultimately became The NY Times best selling book Shadow Divers!
@ 5:42 - on the left side, under the controller: is there the empty place, where John Chatterton took the box with the label?
Andre, it very well could be. I was not in the compartment with him when he took it and I never thought to ask....thank you for your interest in our story.
@@RichieKohler Thank You very much for the reply. Your latest recordings are great and make the story remarkably complete. I want to thank you for that, too.
Good video, but the important thing to remember is this is a war grave. These men died in battle, and are considered war heroes. RIP
Agreed. Thank you for watching!
Have watched 3 times now, at full volume to share in the nitrogen narcosis, how fascinating, Sir.
Thank you! It’s even more of rush to dive it again, knowing the history and of course the tragedy. Thanks for watching!
Thank you too for sharing this excitement and visuals
vous avez pris des risques , mais la plus belle vidéo d'"épave de u-boot du net
Je vous remercie!