The Brazilian Navy has officially confirmed the discovery of the Vital de Oliveira, the only Brazilian military vessel sunk by enemy action during World War II. The wreck was located 65km off the coast of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, marking a significant milestone in underwater archaeology.

Historical background

Built in 1910 and originally named Itaúba, the ship was incorporated into the Brazilian Navy in 1931. During World War II, it was repurposed to transport troops and supplies along the Brazilian coast. On the night of 19 July 1944, the German submarine U-861 launched a torpedo that struck the vessel’s stern, causing it to sink rapidly. Of the 270 crew members on board, around 100 perished.

Discovery and identification

The wreck was initially found by local divers following reports from fishermen whose nets had become entangled on the seafloor. Using multibeam sonar and side-scan imaging, a team aboard a research vessel, also called Vital de Oliveira, conducted a detailed hydrographic survey on 16 January 2025, confirming the ship’s identity.

Significance for maritime history

Lieutenant Commander Caio Cezar Pereira Demilio, an archaeologist with the Navy’s Underwater Archaeology Division, emphasised the importance of the find. “Shipwrecks serve as material records of Brazil’s maritime history, helping us understand past naval strategies and wartime events,” he said.

The Navy plans to continue mapping the wreck site using advanced imaging techniques to create 3D models for further analysis. Future efforts may include technical dives and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to document the site and assess the ship’s condition. The findings will be incorporated into the Atlas of Shipwrecks of Historical Interest off the Coast of Brazil, a project to preserve the country’s maritime heritage.