The divers torch pierces through the silt filled sea and the twisted metal of the wreck reveals for the first time regular geometrical shapes, in this case the unmistakeable rubber shod roadwheels of a German AFV!
In 1921, the Germans launched the Steamship the "Sante Fe". The very name was a stark contrast to the austere Germany of post WW1. A country crippled by reparations was slowly getting back on its feet. The "Sante Fe" conjured up balmy evenings in a cosmopolitan city. Her future was certainly colourful, but not so trouble free!
But these were heady days and the "Sante Fe" was trading between the Baltic Sea and the Americas, no doubt her crew enjoying the contrasts in lifestyle. Sadly those peaceful days were almost at an end. In October 1939 the ship was in South America and found itself impounded as war broke out in Europe.

The "Sante Fe" was then taken over by the French Navy and re-named "St. Andre". These new owners were not to last. France had fallen in 1940, but the "St. Andre" was part of the Navy of Vichy France. This situation changed when the Germans invaded Vichy France and the ship was handed back to her former masters and reverted to her original name.
Thus it was in 1943 that the "Sante Fe" found herself as part of the Black Sea supply fleet, her adventures up until now had been exciting, but more was to come.
November 23rd 1943 and the "Sante Fe" is part of convoy WOTAN, steaming from Konstansia to Sevastopol. She is protected by the destroyer "Marsati", the minesweeper "Lola" and "Admiral Murgescu" of the Romanian Navy. She is also accompanied by R-165, R197 and the R-209.

Exhibits List