Echoes of the Deep: Divers Uncover the Lost Legacy of a WW1 Submarine 100 Years After Its Final Descent

Join us on an inspiring journey as a dedicated team of divers unearths the mysteries hidden beneath the waves, paying tribute to a forgotten chapter of history. Their recent expedition explores the wreckage of a World War I submarine, blending adventure and nostalgia in a heartwarming tale of remembrance.

In mid-August, professional shipwreck diver and YouTuber Dominic Robinson led a passionate team of ten divers on an exciting dive, 20 miles off the coast of Plymouth. Their goal? To explore the wreck of the HMS M1, a Royal Navy submarine that tragically sank a century ago.

The team discovered a haunting sight: the wreck of the M1 lay scattered across the seafloor, missing its iconic 12-inch gun, a feature common among naval vessels at the time. Built during World War I, this submarine never saw combat due to apprehensions that enemies might replicate its cutting-edge design.

Its tragic end came in 1925 when the vessel sank after colliding with the Swedish merchant ship, SS Vidar, while submerged—a tragic loss of all its crew members, weaving another sorrowful thread into the fabric of an already tumultuous history.

It wasn’t until a salvaging team located the wreck in 1967, followed by official identification by divers in 1999, that the M1 would begin to reclaim its story.

“This was one of the most incredible submarines ever built,” Robinson remarked during the dive, his eyes gleaming with admiration. The team spent about three hours at sea, culminating in a brief but meaningful 25 minutes exploring the wreck, a testament to their dedication and spirit.

Robinson highlighted the diver’s experience, explaining that such depths—over 74 meters—are beyond what most divers undertake. He emphasized, “This is well beyond what 99% of divers will do, but we wish to witness the unseen.” His passion radiates through his YouTube channel, Deep Wreck Diver, which has garnered 13,500 subscribers, dedicated to revealing the mysteries of deep-sea shipwrecks.

“It’s crucial to help people understand the history behind these forgotten relics,” he said earnestly, echoing the sentiments of his fellow divers, who see each expedition as an opportunity to honor and remember those who once sailed the seas.

WATCH a 40-minute film of the dive….