National Geographic Exclusively Reports on the Last WWI-era German Submarine to Be Discovered in U.S. Waters
*Diver Who Made Discovery Available For Interviews*
*Nat Geo Reporter Available For Interviews*
WHAT: Sep. 30 2022– National Geographic has published an exclusive report on the discovery of the last known World War I-era German submarine wrecked in U.S. waters. The submarine, U-111, was discovered by Erik Petkovic on Labor Day, a century after it was sunk by the U.S. Navy in 1600 feet of water. Shockingly, it was discovered at just 400 feet of water off the coast of Virginia– a depth much smaller than expected, but still outside of the human diving range for all but a small number of experienced technical divers.
WHO: Diver Erik Petkovic, who was inspired by Robert Ballard’s discovery of the wreck of Titanic in 1985, began exploring the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, eventually becoming an accomplished technical diver and author of several books on shipwreck exploration. He worked as a Secret Service agent in the White House during the Obama administration and applied the same investigative skills required in that job for hunting down shipwrecks.
WHEN: Friday, September 30 at 6am EST
WHERE: NationalGeographic.com
ASSETS: You can check out the full story from Nat Geo HERE and access high-res press visuals, along with usage requirements, HERE. PLEASE NOTE: When using these assets, it is mandatory for a link to National Geographic’s story to be included.
SPOKESPEOPLE AVAILABLE:
Erik Petkovic: Erik Petkovic is an explorer, author, maritime historian, shipwreck researcher, and technical wreck diver. Erik is the author of multiple wreck diving and maritime history books. Erik has been featured in publications worldwide and is a consultant for various production companies. He regularly presents at the largest dive shows and museums and is a sought-after presenter due to his unique storytelling and in-depth research.
Kristin Romey: Kristin Romey is an editor and writer covering archaeology and paleontology for National Geographic magazine and National Geographic online. She is the former executive editor of Archaeology magazine and a Fellow of the Explorers Club. Romey holds an A.B. in Greek from Vassar College and an M.A. from Texas A&M’s nautical archaeology program. Before joining the National Geographic editorial staff, Romey served as the field operations director for the Society’s multiyear archaeological expedition at Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan. She was one of the first westerners to survey and excavate in the former Soviet regions of the Black Sea.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Anna Kukelhaus, anna.kukelhaus@natgeo.com, 202-258-8020
Janean Ruttner, janean.ruttner@natgeo.com, 909-677-8989
Natalia Colon, natalia.colon@natgeo.com, 407-484-1026
About National Geographic Media: Nat Geo Media is a worldwide digital, social and print publisher, operating in over 170 countries, with several print and digital products and over 1/2 a billion followers on social media. We inspire curious fans of all ages through bold and innovative storytelling about people, places and projects that shape our world, and enable our fans to connect, explore, engage with and care about the world. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com, find us on the National Geographic app or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.
