“This Ghost of War Haunts Us Still”: Stunned Experts Reveal French WWI Submarine Found in Greek Waters After 100 Years

The maritime world is filled with mysteries and tales of tragedy, but it occasionally unveils hidden treasures from its depths. In late 2023, a Greek research team brought to light a piece of French naval history by discovering the wreck of the Floréal submarine, which vanished in 1918 during World War I. This remarkable find not only sheds light on the past but also provides a glimpse into the technological advancements of the early 20th century. The story of the Floréal is a testament to the enduring allure of maritime exploration and the relentless pursuit of uncovering history’s secrets.

The Ingenious Design of the Floréal

The Floréal was a product of innovative engineering, designed by the renowned engineer Maxime Laubeuf. Launched on April 18, 1908, this French submarine was part of the Pluviôse class and was constructed at the Cherbourg Arsenal. The vessel measured 167.7 feet in length and 16.3 feet in width, with a displacement of 609 tons when submerged. It was capable of diving to depths of approximately 98 feet. The Floréal featured a unique double hull and a dual propulsion system, marking it as a technological marvel of its time. These features allowed it to navigate the treacherous waters of World War I with enhanced stability and efficiency.

During the war, the Floréal served as a patrol vessel in the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay before being deployed to the Aegean Sea in 1916 to enforce the blockade of the straits between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The submarine’s advanced design and capabilities made it a formidable force, demonstrating the ingenuity of early 20th-century naval engineering.

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A Tragic Collision and Its Aftermath

On August 2, 1918, the Floréal met its untimely end near Salonica after a collision with the British auxiliary cruiser HMS Hazel. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued by the destroyer Baliste, but the submarine sank at the coordinates 39°56N and 23°08E. The incident led to a maritime court-martial for the submarine’s commander, Lieutenant Raymond Féraud. He was ultimately acquitted, as reported by the newspaper Le Temps in February 1919. The court found that the second master electrician, Colon, was on watch during the collision, and Lieutenant Féraud was cleared of any wrongdoing.

This collision not only marked the end of the Floréal’s service but also highlighted the challenges and dangers faced by submariners during wartime. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of naval warfare and the human stories behind these technological marvels.

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The Rediscovery of a Century-Old Wreck

Over a century later, in 2023, the wreck of the Floréal was located by Greek diver Kostas Thoktaridis and his team. Specializing in the search for shipwrecks, Thoktaridis had previously discovered the wreck of the British submarine HMS Triumph in the Aegean Sea. The search for the Floréal began in 2014 with research in French archives. However, it was by chance that the team stumbled upon the wreck while searching for another ship’s anchor.

Resting on a muddy seabed at a depth of 321 feet in the Thermaic Gulf, the Floréal was identified using a submersible robot. Remarkably, the submarine was found in excellent condition, with its periscopes lowered and its trim at zero. The discovery of the Floréal provides invaluable insights into early 20th-century naval architecture and the enduring resilience of these vessels.

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A Glimpse into the Past

The Floréal’s discovery marks the first time a World War I submarine has been found in Greek waters. Thoktaridis confirmed the vessel’s pristine state, noting that it appeared as if time had stopped since its sinking in 1918. This revelation offers a unique opportunity for historians and maritime enthusiasts to study the submarine’s design, construction, and operational history.

Moreover, the find underscores the enduring fascination with maritime exploration and the ongoing quest to uncover the secrets of the past. The Floréal’s story serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technology, human endeavor, and the unforgiving nature of the sea.

The story of the Floréal and its rediscovery is a testament to the enduring allure of the sea’s mysteries. As we continue to explore the depths and uncover history’s hidden chapters, one must wonder: what other secrets lie beneath the waves, waiting to be revealed?