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The wreckage of the submarine attack "Minerve", disappeared on January 27, 1968, was spotted at about 2,400 meters of water, 45 kilometers off Toulon. (Photo by Keystone-France / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

The wreck of the submarine Minerve , disappeared 51 years ago, was found this Monday 22 July off Toulon, in the Mediterranean. The investigation into the causes of the sinking and death of the 52 crew members will begin.

Less than three weeks after the start of the research , the wreckage of the attack submarine Minerve was located 45 kilometers off Toulon, lying at a depth of 2,370 meters.

It was found with the help of a private American company: Ocean Infinity, and especially thanks to its drones which made it possible to locate the exact location of the submarine.

In a tweet, this Monday, July 22, Florence Parly, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, evokes her relief and addresses her thoughts to the families of the 52 victims.

We have just found the Minerva. It's a success, a relief and a technical feat. I think of the families who have been waiting for this moment so long. pic.twitter.com/pjDnj7lEyb

Florence Parly (@florence_parly) July 22, 2019

Since the sinking for reasons still unknown, on 27 January 1968, no sign of life or beginning of explanation could be provided to the relatives of the submariners, despite three research campaigns at sea.

The only certainty: at 7:59, this Saturday in January 1968, the geophysical detection laboratory recorded an implosion at sea in the area where was the Minerve .

After five decades of military silence on the subject, the investigation to understand the causes of this sinking will finally begin, good news for families.