[Tallguy]

At the time of discovery of the Lagarto, US officials unequivocally denied permission to local dive shop owners to dive the wreck, fearing that it would turn into a tourist attraction.

At 70 meters the wreck is way too deep for sport divers, so the tourism angle is a bit overblown. Technical divers, OTOH, might attempt to enter the wreck and get some souveniers.

This is why the US government stands behind the German embassy when they issue their annual 'warning letter' to US dive shops about disturbing war graves (U-boats).

[libertyhoundusnr]

German subs typically carried a large amount of gold in the captains safe. The reason being: not a whole lot of takers of Reichmarks for food/fuel etc. A sure way to motivate divers.