The Environmental Legacy of World War I Submarines The news that a German submarine, UC 30, is still leaking TNT into the North Sea a century after its sinking may come as a surprise to some.
However, for those who study the environmental impact of historical events, it's a sobering reminder that war can leave lasting consequences. UC 30 was one of thousands of wrecks scattered across the North Sea seabed.
It struck a British mine in April 1917, killing all 27 crew members on board. The submarine was carrying 18 mines and six torpedoes at the time of its sinking.