Google Maps users noticed the wreckage of a more than 100-year-old German World War I. submarine.
Impressive debris lies in the muddy outflows of the Medway River in Kent.
Sharing a post on Reddit, a Google Maps user said: “Because we’re on a clue: the rusty wreckage of a German World War I submarine that pushed a tug on the way to disassembly in severe weather.”
Experts believe the submarine, which is the only visible wreckage of the deadly weapon in the UK, could be UB122.
For more than a century it has stood on muddy outflows off the coast, but lately it can be seen more fully than usual after low tides after storm surges.
(Image: The Print Collector / Heritage Images via Getty Images)
Launched in February 1918, the ship was surrendered nine months later – only two unsuccessful patrols took place.
Mark Dunkley, a maritime expert on English heritage, said in December 2013: “Everything that could lead to her identification has been removed from the submarine, but our best guess is that it’s UB122.”
He added: “We know that some submarine engines have been reused at the Holing cement plant, and the Medway submarine does show that its engines have been shut down.”
The ship was among 100 submarines that were taken to the Medway River for hacking after World War I.
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Dunkley believes it is well protected on the spot, adding: “The submarine is not in danger of wear and tear and is stored where it is.”
It is located near Humble Bay Creek, Stoke Saltings, in the swamps of Grain Island, but people advise that the area is difficult and dangerous to reach.
According to research, the ship under the captain of Abery lieutenant Tsur Ze Alexander Magnus surrendered at the end of the war and was delivered to Britain.
He was later towed along Medway to Halling, where his diesel engines were removed and installed at a local cement plant.
In 1921 he was taken back down the river towards the Thames estuary for further dismantling when his tug broke and he was carried ashore, stopping at Humble Bay Creek, near Grain Island, where he remains.
To stay up to date with all the latest news, be sure to subscribe to one of our newsletters here .
