U-778 is one of a number of German submarines which were sunk off the coast of Malin Head after they surrendered at Lisahally at the end of the war in 1945.

19 U-boats were scuttled off the Malin Head Coast but U-7778 is believed to have remained intact because it sunk while being towed to the scuttling grounds.

Derry City Council are hoping to raise the submarine to use it as a museum remembering the city’s key strategic role in the Second World War. Divers have already been down to the vessel and last October a 45 year-old diver from Dublin, Michael Hanrahan, died while working on the wreck.

Fully

intact

SDLP Councillor Shaun Gallagher said he believes the submarine may be fully intact after initial research showed all the airtight containers were closed.

“While it’s not sure yet, there’s every possibility that the interior is well preserved as well,” he said.

Colr. Gallagher said a new dive to the wreck would take place next month and that a final decision will be made then on whether it is possible to raise the submarine.

U-778 was launched in May 1944 and was commanded by Ralf Jurs. It only carried out one patrol before the war ended and there is no record of it sinking or damaging any ships.