Sunken WWI Submarine Leaking TNT into the North Sea

German submarine UC-30, sunk in 1917 off the coast of Denmark, has been releasing TNT from six torpedoes and 18 mines for decades. Scientists found traces of TNT in water, seabed sediments, and marine organisms; the problem may affect thousands of similar sunken vessels.

• UC-30 sank on April 19, 1917, killing all 27 crew members
• Wreck found only in 2016 near the Danish island of Rømø
• TNT traces detected in water, soil, mussels, and starfish
• Danish waters hold 10,127 sunken vessels, about 15% from world wars