Deep Ocean Expeditions

On June 8th 2001 Deep Ocean Expeditions (DOE) in conjunction with the P.P Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Russian Academy of Sciences completed the first ever-manned submersible dives to the wreck of the legendary German battleship the Bismarck. We are now offering adventurers another chance to participate in this unique, historical expedition.

In 1989 the wreck of the Bismarck was located by Dr Robert Ballard using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Twelve years later, DOE was to successfully conduct the first ever visit by manned submersibles to the wreck. With the skill and expertise of the MIR submersible team headed by Dr Anatoly Sagalevitch and his two pilots, Genya Cherniaev and Victor Nischeta we were able make a close-up examination of the wreck site. We collated spectacular historical data and recorded close-up high-definition footage of the evidence of damage she suffered during her final sea battle. A limited number of passengers joined our expedition along with National Geographic, IMAX and German television film crews.

After several hours of fruitless searching on day one using the MIR sonar equipment and acquired co-ordinates we found the mighty battleship. I witnessed first hand the destruction and final peaceful end she met at the bottom of the Atlantic. I have since completed many dives to the wreck of the Bismarck.

She is entrenched on a steep slope. The trough she sliced in the undersea mount before she halted to her final resting place is still gouged deep. She is surrounded by debris, twisted metal, uniforms and leather boots. The large Swastikas on the ships forward and aft decks, once painted to disguise her identification from the air are now visible over 60 years later. Once the pride of the German fleet she now rests as a home to the rich sea life and colourful anemones.

It was a very poignant trip for all involved. It was the first time any of the survivors of the Bismarck had returned to the site. Heinz Steeg and Heinrich Kuhnt, both in their mid 80's fought back tears to recall the scene as 2206 of their shipmates lost their lives when the 823 foot, 53,000 tonne battleship sank after finally succumbing to a torpedo fired from the HMS Dorsetshire.

Mr. Kuhnt, who was rescued from the icy waters of the Atlantic by the HMNZS Maori, commented how incredible it was to see the Bismarck again. Having lost many good friends and comrades it was his way of paying tribute to those who were lost.

DOE have made many visits to the wreck since 2001 including filming the wreck with Hollywood director James Cameron for a Discovery Channel special documentary production. All DOE Bismarck expeditions are conducted with approval from the German government and with the greatest respect for the souls who perished. At the Bismarck site a memorial service spoken in German and English was held on board Keldysh dedicated to all lives lost in the worlds' great battles. A plaque commemorating those lost was taken to the wreck by the MIR submersibles.

The MIR operation is the only one of its kind in the world supporting two deep ocean submersibles simultaneously. The MIR's are meticulously maintained and have an incredible history of hundreds of safe and successful dives throughout the world. I can personally attest to the skill and expertise of the pilots, technicians and crew running the both the MIR operation and the RV Keldysh.

It is it truly a site of history and poignancy. It is an exciting voyage, made unforgettable by the magnitude of the ship now a memorial to lives lost.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the RV Akademik Keldysh for this unique and historical expedition.

To reserve your expedition berth please contact your travel agency or email myself at mike@deepoceanexpeditions.com
or Belinda Sawyer our Expedition Leader at belinda@deepoceanexpeditions.com

bismarck.pdf (246Kb)