We often think of sunken ships as time capsules full of gold coins and forgotten jewelry. Anyway, the reality for marine archaeologists and salvage crews is often very different. Some wrecks are less like treasure chests and more like minefields. Down in the dark, time and saltwater turn ordinary cargo and military hardware into deadly traps. These are the artifacts under the sea you don’t want to find.
#1: Unexploded Torpedo Warheads (U-853)
Just off the coast of Rhode Island, the German submarine U-853 has been resting on the seafloor since it was sunk on May 6, 1945. It’s a popular dive site, but it’s also a war grave for its 55 crewmen. The real danger, however, lies in its unexploded torpedoes. After decades of corrosion, the TNT warheads inside are highly unstable. Explosive disposal teams have prohibited anyone from physically handling them. The slightest shock or friction could trigger a catastrophic explosion, making any recovery effort a deadly gamble.
