Historical data about S 57

The sinking of the austro-hungarian war ship Szent Istvan, after being hit by torpedo's fired by italian war ships, changed the war strategy of many naval countries. The German Kriegsmarine (Navy) correctly predicted the importance of small and fast boats armed with torpedo's, who showed that they could be a very dangerous opponent, even to the biggest war ships. Therefore they started to develop torpedo boats to equip the fleets. S 57 belonged to a class of very successful small boats developed in Germany just before the start of the Second World War. Under the building number 12850 the kiel of S57 started being build on 25.april 1940. , the ship was completed 14. august, and handed over to the German navy 1. october 1940.

S 57 spend the first 3 years on the Northern Sea. During 1943. S57 is part of the German «S» division (S – Schnellboote – torpedo boats) in the Tirenian Sea and at the start of 1944. it is transferred to the Adriatic. Upon arrival S 57 was included in the 3. S division, led by commander Muller. The fleet base was located in Rijeka Dubrovačka. The commander of the ship was "Oberleutnant zur See" Hans- Georg Buschmann. During this period british war ships started to operate in the Adriatic, attacking convoys from their base Komiža on island Vis.

War luck turned its back on torpedo boat S57 in the night of the 19th august 1944. when it departured on its last mission. Last night the british war boats MTB 657, MGB 658 i MTG 653 had attacked a German convoy of 6 ships that were on their way from Korčula to Dubrovnik. In the final night fight by the lighthouse Lirica on Pelješac peninsula, 5 german boats were sunk, while the sixth, tanker Helga, managed to retrieve to Korčula with one crew member killed. After finding out about this catastrophic losses, the german commander for South Dalmatia, ordered a group of attack boats, protected by 5 torpedo boats, to search for survivors. It was in the night of the 18/19. august.

At sunset on the 18th of august S57, S58, S60, S30 i S33 departed from Rijeka Dubrovačka following the attack boats towards Mljet canal. At precisely 03.50 A.M. on the 19th of august, the german boats were ambushed by british war boats MTB 657, MGB 658 and MTG 653. The british boats opened heavily fire, especially on the closest german boat, the S 57. Shortly after, the boat was hit, followed by a strong fire. S 57 stopped while its crew tried to put out the fire. After about 10 minutes both sides stopped the battle and other german boats approached the damaged S 57 to help put stop the fire. After not succeeding they tired to tow it towards the shore in order to place the boat on shallow ground. Since the coastal area of Pelješac is deep on that part it was decided to destroy S57. An explosive charge was placed inside and the boat sunk at 04.32 A.M. Two crew members were killed during the battle, while 9 were injured.

Condition of the wreak and diving

The ship was sunk on the south shore of Pelješac peninsula, around 2 nm east from lighthouse Lirica. Diving on this location is a true experience for all wreak divers. The remains lie facing the shore. The front is on 26 m of depth. Since the sea is almost always very clear on this location it is possible to see the whole ship in all its length.
Since wood rottens after a short while in water the whole steel construction is clearly visible, enabling divers to see inside all ship areas without entering inside.

Due to its well preserved appearance, S 57 is today protected by law and diving is only possible with a certified center and in company of a guide. Very few of such boats in the world are so well preserved. It is strictly forbidden to damage the boat and to take out objects from its inside.

Source: Tajne Jadrana, ronilački vodič po olupinama hrvatskog jadrana
Authors: Danijel Frka, Jasen Mesić