Russian WWII PT boat recovered from the Volga River at Stalingrad

Last month the Soviet Armored Patrol Boat BK-31 was recovered from the river of Volga, and a piece of World War II history surfaced after a long time in the mud. The remains of 11 sailors and soldiers were found in or around BK-31.

The crew on this boat were probably taking wounded from the west bank of Volga, bringing reinforcements from the east bank back. Most likely they were shelling the German forces with their 76,2 mm T-34 cannon as much as they could.

A total of 8 PPSh submachine guns as well as a Degtyarov machine guns were found on board.  I wouldn't mind one of those.

The Soviet sailors were using wooden stoppers, to prevent the leakage. You can sense how furious the fighting was. At last they probably got a direct hit and sank.  That's truly some impressive battle damage.

Here's what they looked like new and undamaged.  Love that tank turret.  The Russians were nothing if not innovative.