U-boat 977.the U-boat That Escaped To Argentina Site

On May 2, 1945, U-977 departed Kristiansand, Norway, on its first war patrol. Following the surrender orders of Admiral Karl Dönitz on May 5, Schäffer chose to disregard the command to return to port. Motivated by fears of the Allied "Morgenthau Plan"—which propaganda suggested would enslave German men—and memories of poor treatment of POWs after WWI, Schäffer proposed a flight to Argentina. He allowed 16 married crew members to go ashore in Norway before embarking with the remaining 32 men on the arduous journey. The Grueling 66-Day Submersion

: To evade Allied naval patrols, U-977 stayed continuously submerged for 66 days using its newly fitted schnorkel (air intake mast). U-Boat 977.The U-Boat That Escaped to Argentina

The journey is best known for its incredible endurance phase: On May 2, 1945, U-977 departed Kristiansand, Norway,

: The crew endured constant diesel fumes, fluctuating air pressure, and extreme humidity, which brought many to the brink of nervous breakdowns. He allowed 16 married crew members to go