THE 'SEEHUND' RECOVERY

Towards the end of World War II, a German two-man submarine of the Seehund Seal Class with two live torpedoes grounded on the Dutch coast near Egmond aan Zee. The sea and the sand did their work and it dissapeared from sight, subsequently to be completely forgotten until a classic North Sea winter storm partly exposed the hull. The Dutch Navy ordered recovery of the sub so the torpedos could be safely disarmed.

April 2002, complying with strict regulations, SVITZER Salvage and partner Woud Wormer sank a cofferdam around the still partly sunken sub. Carefully sand was removed and even more careful handling exposed the torpedoes which were disarmed by specialists.

Despite the submarine had broken, it is hoped nonetheless that it will find a place in a local museum to serve as a reminder of past time.