She nearly changed the course of the war. U-2511 was the only operationally deployed Type XXI "Elektroboot" submarine in World War II -- the revolutionary design that could have devastated Allied shipping had it entered service earlier. Commanded by Korvettenkapitan Adalbert Schnee, she made one war patrol and had a British cruiser group in her sights before the ceasefire aborted the attack. Surrendered at Bergen, Norway, she was scuttled by Royal Navy gunfire on 7 January 1946 during Operation Deadlight after her towing cable parted. Discovered in 1999 by local diver Al Wright, the wreck at 67-69 metres off Malin Head is largely intact on her port side, with a large blast hole on the starboard side near the conning tower. One of the most historically significant U-boat wrecks anywhere. Featured on BBC Dig WW2 with Dan Snow.
The only operationally deployed Type XXI U-boat in WWII. Commanded by Korvettenkapitan Adalbert Schnee. Made one war patrol and nearly attacked a British cruiser group but aborted due to ceasefire. Surrendered at Bergen, Norway, then towed to Ireland for scuttling as part of Operation Deadlight. Sunk by Royal Navy gunfire at 7:40 PM after her towing cable parted.
U-2511 is a submarine wreck located off Donegal, Ireland at a depth of 69 metres. The vessel was lost by scuttling in 1946. The wreck is diveable.
U-2511 lies at 67 to 69 metres depth, Off Malin Head, scuttled during Operation Deadlight.
U-2511 was deliberately scuttled on 7 January 1946 during World War II / Operation Deadlight, off Donegal, Ireland. 0 people lost their lives.
Diving the U-2511 is rated technical and is requires technical diving qualifications including decompression procedures. Recommended: Advanced trimix diver.
The best months to dive U-2511 are June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 8°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
U-2511 is accessed by boat from Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland.
| Month | Temp | Visibility | Access | Marine life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Feb | 8.0°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Mar | 8.5°C | 6.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Apr | 9.5°C | 7.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| May | 10.5°C | 9.0m | marginal | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Jun | 12.0°C | 14.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Jul | 13.0°C | 18.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Aug | 14.0°C | 18.0m | good | Peak — seals, large shoals, nudibranchs, conger eels |
| Sep | 13.0°C | 14.0m | good | Good — wrasse, pollock, crabs, anemones |
| Oct | 11.0°C | 7.0m | poor | Moderate — season starting/ending |
| Nov | 9.5°C | 6.0m | marginal | Minimal — winter conditions |
| Dec | 8.5°C | 5.0m | poor | Minimal — winter conditions |
3 evidence records from 3 sources.
Only operationally deployed Type XXI. Commanded by Schnee. One war patrol. Surrendered Bergen. Scuttled Operation Deadlight.
Type XXI submarine. Built Blohm & Voss Hamburg 1944. Only operational Type XXI. Sunk Operation Deadlight 7 January 1946.
Largely intact on port side. Large blast hole on starboard near conning tower from shellfire. 210 fsw (67-69m).
Off Malin Head, scuttled during Operation Deadlight