UJ 2216 – KT

The UJ 2216, also known simply as the KT, is one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable wrecks—celebrated for both its historical significance and extraordinary state of preservation.

Originally launched in 1926 as a luxurious French yacht named Eros, the vessel was later requisitioned by the French Navy during the Second World War. Renamed Incomprise, she was deployed on several missions across the Mediterranean and used to patrol the French coastlines from Toulon.

In late 1942, following the German occupation of Toulon, many ships were scuttled in the harbour. The Incomprise was salvaged and repurposed by the Germans, transformed into a submarine hunter and reclassified as UJ 2216.

Wartime Service and Sinking

The UJ 2216 entered German service in September 1943, based in Genoa. Less than a year later, in 1944, she met her fate off the Ligurian coast. While transporting mines and grenades, she was attacked by four British patrol boats. A torpedo struck her stern, detonating the ammunition on board. The explosion tore the ship apart, disintegrating the stern and sending her to the seabed. Thankfully, most of the crew managed to escape by leaping overboard.

Wreck Overview

• Length: 65.13 m

• Beam: 9.75 m

• Engines: Two 990 HP units

• Speed: 14 knots

• Depth: Resting at approximately -58 m, in navigation position

• Orientation: Bow facing open sea

Dive Highlights

The UJ 2216 wreck lies perfectly upright on the seabed, her anchors still intact and her bow pointed toward open water. On the main deck, the focal point is the large twin anti-aircraft gun, still mounted in place.

Through a small hatch near the bow holds, divers can peer inside to find the original machine gun mounts still positioned along the interior walls. One of the most impressive features is the metal lattice mast that rises from the upper deck to a depth of -35 m, marking the highest accessible point of the wreck.

The hull is lined with beautiful portholes, and while penetrating the interior is not recommended—due to unstable wooden and iron structures and the presence of numerous tangled lines—there’s still much to explore externally.

Notably, two ammunition lockers are clearly visible on deck. Further aft, behind the funnel, you’ll find two additional twin machine guns, and a large hatch opens into the engine room, where the twin engines can still be observed.

Although the stern was heavily damaged in the explosion and is partially buried in the sand, one final anti-aircraft gunremains partially exposed, tilted to one side, a silent sentinel of the wreck’s wartime past.

This dive is an absolute treat for lovers of wreck diving and military history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past, with well-preserved features and wartime artefacts scattered across the structure.