MZ- Motozattara

Greece,Mediterranean

The wreck of an Italian Motozattara naval landing craft of the type Classe Belle MZ from the Second World War rest at Strogoli outside the Greek island of Leros. After Italy surrendered in 1943, there was a garrison left on the island consisting of 4.Squadriglia Caccia Torpediniere with one destroyer, eleven minesweepers and nine smaller vessels. Since it was unclear if the Italian forces could be relied on, the Germans wished to secure the island. That was also what the Allies thought and under the following battles in September and October 1943 this MZ vessel was sunk. One Italian MFP is reported in German sources as sunk 3. October 1943. The remains rest today in two separate parts on a depth of 10 to 25 meter outside Strongyli.


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 Dimensions:
MZ - Motozattara

47,0 x 6,5 x 1,5 m
     
Tons: Built: Home Port:
239 displ ( std ) Palermo ( IT ) 1942
 Leros ( GR )

Picture: MTC 1001
Courtesy of Bundesarkiv, Public domain