80 years ago, on June 23, 1941, 15 km west of Ventspils, all 16 crew members tragically died when the Red Army submarine M-78 (M class, Shevchenko) was sunk by two torpedoes from the German submarine U-144 (Type II D, von Hippel). The M-78 had left Liepāja on June 22 and was attacked by German aircraft the next day near Užava. When U-144 spotted the submarine, it was on the surface, charging its batteries together with the M-77. The commander of the 4th submarine division, Lieutenant Commander Stepan Ionovich Matveyev, who was on the submarine, also died in the accident.
The mysterious M-78 wreck: a witness to history lying at the bottom of the Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea holds countless secrets, and one of them is the wreck of the submarine M-78, located at a depth of 35 meters near Ventspils. This historic shipwreck has become a popular diving spot, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and the opportunity to explore the underwater world.
The M-78 story
M-78 was a small, “Malyutka” class submarine built in 1936 in Nikolaev, Ukraine. It was intended for operation in the Baltic Sea and participated in the Winter War against Finland. At the beginning of World War II, M-78 was transferred to Liepāja. On June 23, 1941, near Ventspils, it was sunk by the German submarine U-144. Unfortunately, all 16 crew members perished. This event has left a noticeable wreck in the history of the Baltic Sea and today offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past by exploring the wreck of M-78.
What is the “Malyutka” M-78?
The M-78 was a small submarine belonging to the “Malyutka” class. Its dimensions were impressively small – 44.5 meters long, 3.5 meters wide. The conditions on board were very cramped, and the crew had to live in a limited space. There were no special berths on the submarine, only one folding sofa, so the crew slept sitting up.
Despite its limitations, the M-78 served in the Red Army's Baltic Fleet and participated in the Winter War to occupy Finland. At the beginning of World War II, it was transferred to Liepāja, from where it departed on its final mission.
Underwater diving at the M-78 wreck
Today, the wreck of the M-78 lies at a depth of 35 meters and is accessible to experienced divers. It offers a fascinating insight into history, allowing you to explore the remains of the submarine and imagine the life of the crew on board.
What can you see?
- A submarine hull that has retained its shape despite decades underwater.
- Various details such as torpedo hatches, periscope and other elements.
- Marine animals that have found shelter in the wreck.
Important information for divers:
- Diving at the M-78 wreck is only for experienced technical divers with appropriate certification.
- Careful planning and safety regulations must be followed before diving.
- When diving, you must treat the wreck and the surrounding environment with respect.
psWorkers' and Peasants' Red Army (abbreviated Red Army) was the name of the army of Soviet Russia, later the Soviet Union, from January 28, 1918 to February 1946.
