Andre-Malraux Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a remarkable maritime exploration, the shipwrecks of three vessels utilized during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War II have been precisely mapped for the first time. This groundbreaking survey, conducted by the 'Andrea Malraux', examined 30 shipwrecks off the coast of France, shedding light on the crucial Operation Dynamo. From May 26 to June 4, 1940, an impressive 338,000 Allied soldiers were heroically rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk by an array of small boats, including fishing vessels and lifeboats, commandeered by the British Navy from local coastal towns. The civilian efforts and bravery of residents from Dover and Deal significantly contributed to this monumental mission. Historic England, in collaboration with their French counterpart Drassm, utilized advanced multi-beam echo-sounder technology to conduct an exhaustive survey of the wrecks, revealing their positions, characteristics, and overall condition with astonishing clarity. Out of the 30 wrecks studied, 27 were confirmed as Operation Dynamo vessels, with 12 being newly identified by their exact location. However, four wrecks were deemed either destroyed or too buried in sand to locate. Notably, the survey found three wrecks likely corresponding to previously unknown vessels from the evacuation, while also correcting the identities of two French auxiliary minesweepers, 'Denis Papin' and 'Moussaillon', which had been misidentified in earlier records. The comprehensive data gathered allowed for accurate identification of 19 wrecks, correlating their dimensions with historical records. Overall, the state of many Dynamo wrecks remains relatively well-preserved, although the destroyer HMS 'Keith' showed evidence of deterioration in just a few years since its last survey in 2016 and 2019 by the Port of Dunkirk (Grand Port Maritime de Dunkerque – GPMD). This survey marks the initial phase of a broader project, with plans for local divers to conduct further investigations next year, culminating in exhibitions at museums and online displays. For further insights and photographs related to this exciting project, visit the detailed report here: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/deal/news/secrets-of-dunkirk-shipwrecks-revealed-in-new-project-295264/