Current Date: 07 Sep, 2026
{{entry.title}}

The Amazing Truth About The German U-Boat That Was Sunk By A Toilet

During WWII, a German captain and an engineer flushed the submarine's high-tech toilet incorrectly, causing the vessel to rapidly fill with water. British planes patrolling the sea attacked them as the submarine was brought to the surface. While many members of the crew were killed in the attack, the captain escaped!

The German submarine U-1206 belonged to the advanced VIIC series, which was built to elude detection and effectively destroy enemy convoys.

It was a high-tech machine for its era, equipped with all the newest technology and onboard conveniences, including a cutting-edge bathroom.

German engineers had created a high pressure system that, instead of following the British practice of storing sewage in septic tanks on board the vessel, ejected waste directly into the sea, saving valuable space and weight. The system, however, was only effective when the sub was on or close to the surface, which was not ideal if you were submerged for extended periods of time, which was frequently the case during times of war.

German U Boat That Was Sunk By A Toilet 1
Source: Wiki Commons

Karl-Adolf Schlitt, captain of U-1206, discovered for himself during a fateful trip to the restroom on April 14, 1945, that it was also quite difficult to use.

Just nine days had passed since Schlitt and his crew embarked on U-1206’s maiden voyage when a bathroom trip went horribly wrong.

Captain Schlitt made a call for assistance after being unable to figure out how to use the flush mechanism. Sadly, the engineer who assisted him turned the wrong valve by mistake, causing the cabin to fill with a mixture of seawater and human waste.

German U Boat That Was Sunk By A Toilet 2
The toilet, AKA head, in British submarine HMS Alliance (c.1945–1973) — Source: Wiki Commons

Following the foul cocktail’s leak into the submarine’s battery compartment, which was located directly below, a chemical reaction started that resulted in the release of lethal chlorine gas.

Captain Schlitt, who had no other choice, gave the order to blow the ballast tanks and head for the surface. Torpedoes were fired from the U-boat to increase buoyancy and shed extra weight.

But as U-1206 emerged from the depths, a Royal Air Force patrol spotted it and started firing. Captain Schlitt ordered the U-boat to be scuttled and any classified materials on board to be destroyed as the crew scurried for the dinghies.

Four crew members drowned out of the 40 people on board. The rest were taken as war prisoners. Before being captured, some of the men made it through the dangerous ten miles to the coast of Peterhead.

German U Boat That Was Sunk By A Toilet 3
Karl-Adolf Schlitt — Source: uboat.net

According to Captain Schlitt’s official statement, “I was in the engine room when there was a water leak at the front of the boat. I now know that a mechanic had attempted to fix the forward WC’s outboard vent.

“Despite severe flooding, the engineer who was in the control room at the time was able to make the boat buoyant and surface.

“At the same time, sea water was covering the batteries. The boat began to fill with chlorine gas.

“At that point, neither of us could move nor dive. British planes and patrols eventually found us at this point. I allowed the boat to sink.

A group of divers descended to a depth of 86 meters in May 2012 to examine the U-1206’s wreckage. The submarine, which was discovered 12 miles off Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire, was said to be in excellent shape despite having been submerged for more than 60 years.

At the age of 90, Captain Karl-Adolf Schlitt passed away in 2009.

Similar Stories
What is the story behind Wrigley chewing gum?

What is the story behind Wrigley chewing gum?

Wrigley's was originally a soap company that gifted baking powder with their soap. The baking powder became more popular than the soap so they switched to selling baking powder with chewing gum as a gift. The gum became more popular than the baking powder so the company switched to selling gum.

Why was the Eiffel Tower almost demolished

Why was the Eiffel Tower almost demolished

The Eiffel Tower was intended to be a temporary structure for the World's Fair in 1889, but it was nearly dismantled and sold for scrap metal. It was saved because of its potential use as a radio antenna, and it now serves as a tourist attraction as well as a working broadcast tower.

Nathan's Famous Doctor Stunt

Nathan's Famous Doctor Stunt

When Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs first opened in 1916, the owner hired people to dress as doctors and eat hot dogs outside his shop, to convince people his hot dogs were healthy.

how Ferris wheel invented

how Ferris wheel invented

In 1891, Chicago challenged engineers to create a structure to surpass the Eiffel Tower for the World's Columbian Exposition. George Washington Gale Ferris jr. responded with the original Ferris Wheel, a giant rotating structure elevating visitors above the city. This invention became an iconic attraction at the fair.

How 18th Century Women’s Rights Movements Shaped Modern Equality

How 18th Century Women’s Rights Movements Shaped Modern Equality

The 18th century marked a turning point in the quest for women’s rights, as passionate voices challenged centuries of gender inequality and laid the groundwork for modern feminism. From pioneers like Mary Wollstonecraft to revolutionary declarations and early advocacy, this era sparked debates on education, political participation, and social justice that continue to resonate today. Journey through the origins of women’s rights movements and discover how their bold ideas shaped the fight for equality.

Did Gil Pérez Really Teleport from Manila to Mexico Overnight? The 1593 Mystery

Did Gil Pérez Really Teleport from Manila to Mexico Overnight? The 1593 Mystery

On October 24, 1593, while performing his guard duties at Manila's Governor's Palace in the Philippines, Gil Perez stopped to lean against a wall and sleep for a while. He opened his eyes to find himself in an unusual environment. Gil was in the Plaza Mayor in Mexico City. They imprisoned Perez, but the authorities in Mexico City decided to release him and return him home.

Top 10 most cruel medical procedures that are being used today

Top 10 most cruel medical procedures that are being used today

We are all aware that medicine has advanced dramatically over the last fifty years. There are several modern medical approaches available today, but this was not always the case. However, the past of medicine is a dark one. Medical leeches, lobotomy, vascular surgery, cranial stenosis, and even electroshock therapy are all options. These are only a couple of the cruel healing techniques that are still in use today.

The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry

The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry

Before women were allowed to enroll in medical school, Margaret Ann Bulkley studied medicine and assumed the identity of Dr. James Barry for 56 years while dressing as a man. After 46 years of service as an army doctor officer, her secret was not made public until after her death in 1865.