A WATERY WWII gravesite has been explored for the first time.
An Italian naval ship sunk in WWII was recently discovered and photographed by a team led by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
The IT Artigliere was located in March under more than 12,000 feet (3657 metres) of water in the Mediterranean Sea by the Petrel research vessel.
It has now been explored by Allen’s Vulcan, Inc., a private company founded by the former Microsoft man that looks to “save endangered species, address climate change, improve ocean health, explore new frontiers, research how the human brain works and build sustainable communities.”
Not a bad mission statement.
“The Artigliere is in amazingly good condition other than the fact she was sunk in a war,” said David Reams, Senior Director for Paul Allen’s maritime operations.
“She’s upright and easy to identify. At 3,700 meters down, the water is very cold and has little oxygen so there was very little corrosion or encrustation.”
The IT Artigliere was located in March under more than 12,000 feet of water in the Mediterranean Sea
The wreckage is in pretty good condition
Italian Naval authorities were informed and provided with the location and data to confirm the identity of the wreckage, the company said.
The IT Artigliere was sunk after being damaged in the October 12, 1940 Battle of Cape Passero. During its engagement with the British Navy, its commander and most of its crew were killed. The Petrel crew implemented protocols respectful of the war gravesite and the wreckage was left undisturbed, according to Vulcan.
