A CLERICAL ERROR kept a German U-boat attacked by the Royal Navy hidden off Devon for 82 years, divers reveal

Plymouth dive team Gasperados identified the wreck as U-672, lying 230ft down about 20 miles off Salcombe. German historian Dr Axel Niestle said wartime documents placed it 46 miles from where it actually sank. HMS Balfour attacked the submarine in July 1944. Commander Ulf Lawaetz held on before surfacing, and all 52 crew survived to be taken prisoner.

The wreck had long been assumed to be a sunken First World War sailing vessel.

Diver Dominic Robinson said spotting the snorkel and conning tower clinched the identification.

Commander Lawaetz's family contacted the divers to say they were delighted it was found.