Orzeł's escape acquired a political life beyond the submarine's actual movements. Soviet authorities blamed it for sinking the tanker Metalist in Narva Bay on 26 September, although the boat was not in that area. The allegation is rejected here and identified as a Soviet pretext against Estonia. Orzeł later operated in the Norwegian campaign and disappeared on patrol in May 1940. Its crew had been operating aggressively in dangerous areas, but the cause and location of the loss remain uncertain. Damage during operations and a possible mine strike are among the explanations left open.
Notable Point · 40:03-41:21
Orzeł becomes a Soviet pretext and later disappears on patrol
Soviet authorities blame Orzeł for an attack it could not have made, while the submarine later fights in Norway and disappears on patrol in May 1940.