U-352: A Historic Shipwreck and the Underwater Ecosystem of the Graveyard of the Atlantic

(Photo Credit: Casserley, NOAA)

Resting 110 feet underwater, the U-352 is a German submarine sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942. This World War II wreck sits 26 miles off the coast of Morehead City, North Carolina, and is now home to a thriving marine ecosystem. The U-352 is part of the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," where over 400 ships were sunk during intense battles. The site is protected as a historic war grave, meaning divers can explore the exterior but are not allowed inside. Over time, coral, fish, and sharks have made the wreck their home, proving that even remnants of war can become vital habitats for marine life.