Gulf of Finland was the most densely mined area in the whole world during World War II. Gulf of Finland saw two major evacuations during WWII, evacuations of Hanko and Tallinn. Russian Red Banner Fleet lost numerous warships and submarines. During the last years of war, Germany lost destroyers and U-boats while trying to keep the Red Navy at bay.

During the last few years, development in technology and diving equipment has allowed the opening this treasure chest of 20th-century war wrecks and historical wooden wrecks. The low salinity and cold water of the Baltic Sea have preserved the wrecks in excellent condition.

Divers of the Dark team tells stories from these wreck-hunting expeditions, including some touching reconstructions of the last moments of the sunken ships and their crews, such as the Russian submarine Sch-311. We also show video from many of the wrecks, explaining the unique nature of naval warfare in the shallow waters of Finland and Estonia.

Many Divers of the Dark group findings, such as the former Latvian flagship Virsaitis, have been news of great national interest in Russia and Baltic countries and earning the team recognition from the Republic of Latvia. With the help of footage from submarines and warships alike, we go through the major events in the northern Baltic Sea during WWII.

For more information, visit diversoftehdark.com, youtube.com/user/DiversOfTheDark or facebook.com/diversofthedark

For the story and footage from the Russian Schuka-class submarine Kumzha Sch-311, see https://vimeo.com/72553066.

Presenters Antti Apunen and Janne Suhonen are the founding members and representatives of Divers of the Dark team.