Jugens,
You are correct in that this submarine was equipped with a sea plane however, this plane was left behind in its haste to escape capture and was not aboard at the time of its demise. Also, mechanical problems seemed to be part of this submarines history and its crew was not the best available.
The air corps is also a possible cause for its sinking.
David Bartsch
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:29:19 +0000
From: groplias2@yahoo.com
Subject: AW: [PSUBS-MAILIST] a good mystery
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Hello David
The history of the Sourcouf is very interesting I am not sure but I believe it also had an airplaine on board or may be I am mixing it with an other french sub.
The position you give 10° 40´N and 79° 31´W is north of Panama and the water depth is about 4000 m, is deep sea. It is not an normal abyssal plain the whole area is very ondulated because of the tectonic activity of the area. I will be dificult to find the sub there but of course not impossible. I am not sure how are the local laws of Panama for searching in their waters.
Best wishes
Jürgen
--- David Bartsch <dbartsch2236@hotmail.com> schrieb am Mo, 24.8.2009:
Von: David Bartsch <dbartsch2236@hotmail.com>
Betreff: [PSUBS-MAILIST] a good mystery
An: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Datum: Montag, 24. August 2009, 8:11
Most people love a good mystery and I have happened upon one that might be of interest to we submariners. It is dirrected mainly at Jay Jeffries because of his desire to dive the wrecks of sunken subs, but anyone is invited to comment or participate in the discussion.
Launched on October 18th, 1929, the Surcouf was France's Corsair submarine that had the largest allowable guns allowed by the terms of the Washington treaty. It was liberated from the axis powers and served the free French Naval forces and was mysteriously lost 18 February 1942 in a collision with the Army Transport Thompson Lykes in the Gulf of Mexico. (This is disputed by various accounts) The location is said to be 10 degrees 40 North by 79 degrees 31 West.
The wreck of this enormous submarine has never been found as far as I can tell. This submarine was the largest submarine in the world until Japan built its I-400 boat.
How deep is the water at this location? Has anyone heard as to if this wreck has ever been located?
David Bartsch
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