Emotional experience on the wreck of the “Kujawiak”
This is the last day of diving on the wreck of the “Kujawiak”. Members of the Shipwreck Expedition Association spent four days exploring the stern and midships of the destroyer escort and collected extensive footage and images. The impressions and feelings are “unforgettable” in the words of Peter Wytykowski and “Sharky” Alexander, who several times descended to a depth of nearly 100 meters. They couldn’t hide their joy and satisfaction that they are the first people in 73 years to touch the “Kujawiak”. The ship is tilted to the port side and well preserved. Near the stern of the destroyer protruding from the sand are several 102 mm shells (pictured). There are also scattered depth charges.
May 12 hr. 07.10 “Sharky” fastened to the wreck a plaque (pictured below) – on the port side at the location of the 102 mm stern gun – indicating that On September 22, 2014 members of the Shipwreck Expedition Association found the wreck of the Polish ship “Kujawiak” near Malta. It turns out that the position of the sinking of the destroyer, which struck a mine while going to the aid of a British ship, differs from the record in a report prepared for the Directorate of the Navy and British Admiralty by Capt. Louis Lichodziejewskiego, Captain of the ship.
A crucifix and rosary were also placed on the ship, a gift from Patricia Olsztyn of the US. They belonged to sailor Edward Olsztyn (born in Detroit), one of the thirteen Polish sailors who died on June 16, 1942.
On the fifth day of diving (June 12th), which was the last day of research, Maltese divers Professor Matthew Montebello and Joseph Sultana, part of the international group of explorers, carried out exploration of the bow of “Kujawiak”. Using the information contained in archival documents in London they have confirmed that after striking a mine Captain Lichodziejewski ordered the anchor to be dropped …
