German submarine U-352

"Unterseeboot 352" or "U-352" was a type VIIC Nazi German U-boat that served in the North Atlantic during World War II. It was launched on May 7, 1941 under the command of Kapitänleutnant Hellmut Rathke, with a crew of 49.

In January 1942 "U-352" began active patrols in the northern Atlantic areas toward the United States of America. Operating chiefly out of St. Nazaire and Kiel, "U-352" was ordered toward the eastern coastline of the United States on April 7, 1942. The United States Coast Guard cutter "Icarus" intercepted and sank it on May 9. Thirty-three members of the crew of forty-nine survived, were taken prisoner, and served the remainder of the war as prisoners of war.

The "U-352" currently lies in approximately 100 feet of water off the North Carolina coast . She sits at a 45 degree list to the starboard side. This wreck is popular scuba diving spot for advance level divers. A replica of the wreck is on display at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

Heins Richter

Heins Karl Richter, a Maschinengefreiter (equivalent of a Fireman 3cl.) who survived the sinking, was found living in Canada and was interviewed in conjunction with the Discovery Channel's special coverage of "U-352". Throughout the interview process, he mentioned that the ship's Captain, Hellmut Rathke, was obsessed about receiving a Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross medal for sinking 100,000 tonnes worth of enemy ships. Richter claimed that the Captain's obsession eventually lead to recklessness, ultimately resulting in the sinking of the ship.

Richter also claimed he was the last man out of the boat before it sank. The others were already dead, or perished in the depths of the darkened boat as it sank into the abyss.

urvivors

According to documents from the Naval Department, the following are survivors of the sinking:

References

* [http://www.warshipsww2.eu/shipsplus.php?language=E&period=2&id=65649#65649 Warships of World War II German U 352]
* [http://boards.historychannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=800014846&messageID=800230707 History Channel TV Show about U-352]
* [http://www.discoverydiving.com/wreck_desc.htm#U-352| Discovery diving website]