• 22.11.2021

Underworld stories: Torpedo ship 76T



Univerzitet Crne Gore
Univerzitet Crne Gore
Univerzitet Crne Gore

In the vicinity of the inlet Žanjice, at the depth of 35 meters, lies the remains of the torpedo ship 76T. His unique odyssey, through the two World Wars, tells an exciting story of marine fights and Adriatic antagonisms of the XX century. Although historically very valuable and also an attractive location of submarine heritage, the 76T is not so often visited by divers or adequately promoted.

The ship belonged to the series of torpedo ships built in period 1913-1914, which could sail ten hours with the speed up to 30 nods. This type of performances should be enough for the needs of Austro-Hungarian war marine fleet for quick reactions in case of blockage of the Strait of Otranto.  Engaged for tasks along the Dalmatian coast, in 1914 was moved to harbor Šibenik, from where it sails to Bari, Palagruža and Tremiti. It was used for the bombing of Ancona in 1915. The next year, it was engaged for the search for several submarines. It was used for setting mines inforn harbors of Trieste and Bar. During the blockage of the Strait of Otranto, it was in the escort of the magnificent ship Saint Istvan, which, although on time spotted by the 76T, was sunk by the torpedo of the Italian MAS patrol ship.

After the World War I, 76T became the part of the Yugoslavian Royal Navy fleet. It was repaired and renamed to T1 and located in Tivat. With the start of the WWII in 1941, it patrolled across the south sector with the basis in Kotor. Soon, it was confiscated by the Italian Navy, which used it in fights against partisans along the Dalmatian border. After the capitulation of the Italy, it became owned again by the Yugoslavian Royal Navy fleet, which, in exile, had the basis in Malta. After the WWII, it is back in the Adriatic, and becomes part of the SFRJ War Navy. It got a new name Golešnica 91 after the mountain in North Macedonia. It was mainly used as a border patrol. In the end of his sailing days, it was used as a part of the school fleet, and ended sailing in 1955. Old and decommissioned, it was sunk as a target during the navy practice in 1959 in the Bay of Kotor.

Golešnica 91 lies on the sandy seabed. The Prow is on its right side dived into the sand, with still present anchor winch. Middle part of the ship has collapsed, while at the aft there are still visible the holders of two axles which moved the propellers. Although sunk at the end of its working life, the remains are a testimony of its story, and still awaits for the decision by the Direction for Cultural Heritage which will provide its legal protection.

 

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