FS HEINCKE

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Researches returned to Bremerhaven after wreck expedition

On Apri 11 the 'Heincke' along with the embarked scientists returned from a research trip to Bremerhaven with samples and underwater videos of sunken warships near Heligoland. The focus of the investigation was the cruiser SMS 'Mainz', which was sunk in 1914. The researchers wanted to analyze possible dangers that emanate from ordnance remaining inside the wreck. The researchers also brought mussels out on the wreck. They are to be collected again in three months and examined for toxicological substances. According to official estimates, there are around 1.3 million tons of ammunition from World War II in the German North Sea. Little is known about the impact that contaminated sites have on the environment. A European research team led by the German Maritime Museum is looking for answers as part of the “North Sea Wrecks” project.

Research ship investigating old war wreck

In search of dangerous old ammunition, scientists set off aboard the 'Heincke' in Bremerhaven on April 6, 2021, to the wreck of the cruiser SMS 'Mainz' in the North Sea, which was sunk west of Heligoland in 1914. Samples are to be taken there in order to analyze possible dangers posed by weapons inside the wreck. Tests in the Baltic Sea have already shown that old, decomposing weapons, mines, grenades and bombs pose a threat to the environment. In the North Sea, the tide and currents mean that the situation is once again different from that in the Baltic Sea. The research trip was actually planned for spring 2020. Due to the corona restrictions, it has not yet take place. If there is enough time, the researchers could also investigate the SMS 'Ariadne' and the 'V 187' West of Heligoland.

Body of missing crewman found

The decomposed body found by an f/v in the Northsea, eight miles west of Eiderstedt on Aug 20, has now been identified as that of the missing crewman of the "Heincke" which was recently lost over board.