Russian divers recovered from the bottom of the Barents Sea a tank that was on board a ship that sank in 1943 during World War II on its way to the port of Murmansk.

The news, published by the Russian website Riafan, was picked up by BBC journalist Francis Scarr, who joked that “things in the Russian army must be even more desperate than we thought.

Riafan clarifies that the American tank that sank during the “Great Patriotic War” was on board the transport ship “Ballot”, which went from Scotland to Murmansk “with a load of fuel and various equipment provided under the Lend-Lease program.”

The Russian site notes that the ship sank on December 2, 1943, after hitting rocks due to poor visibility due to bad weather.

“In the 80 years since the sinking of the ship, not much has remained. According to divers, there are only piles of rusted metal in the hold. However, the reservoir that was discovered and brought to the surface was well preserved,” Russian journalists also clarify.

The Russians will consider whether the World War II tank is worth restoring

The tank recovered from the seabed is an M-3 “Lee” model produced in the United States between 1941 and 1942 and named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

“All the work lasted about four days and was carried out in very difficult conditions due to the strong current in this place, which often changes its direction,” Riafan also notes.

The Russian website also reports that the tank will “soon” be sent to the repair battalion of the Northern Fleet, where “after a thorough examination” a decision will be made on its restoration.

Riafan also reminds that after restoration, such a tank once participated in the Victory Parade in the Second World War, which was held in Murmansk.

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