French submarine La Minerve found 50 years after disappearance

July 22, 2019, by navaltoday

A French Navy submarine that disappeared over 50 years ago in the Mediterranean Sea has just been discovered, according to an announcement from French defense minister Florence Parly.

Photo: Twitter/Chief of the French Navy Admiral Prazuck

La Minerve went missing on January 17, 1968, with 52 crew on board.

The diesel-electric submarine was taking part in a military exercise when it disappeared.

According to Agence France-Presse, the submarine was located by US-based Ocean Infinity, the company that also located the sunken Argentine submarine ARA San Juan late last year.

“We have just found the Minerva. It’s a success, a relief and a technical feat. My thoughts are with the families who have been waiting for this moment so long,” Parly said in a social media statement.

Nous venons de retrouver la Minerve. C’est un succès, un soulagement et une prouesse technique. Je pense aux familles qui ont attendu ce moment si longtemps. pic.twitter.com/pjDnj7lEyb

— Florence Parly (@florence_parly) July 22, 2019

The submarine had four years of active service at the time of the sinking.

Its discovery was confirmed by the first three letters of the vessel’s name which were visible on a piece of the wreckage.