Underwater relics explored from nearly forgotten World War II battle

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Relics of a nearly forgotten World War II battle are being explored at the bottom of the sea -- not far from Mississippi.

The Ocean Exploration Trust used robotic underwater cameras to check out the wreckage of a German U-boat and an American passenger freighter, the Robert E. Lee.

The Nazi crew sank the Lee in the Gulf of Mexico some 72 years ago. The U-boat was sunk by U.S. warplanes escorting the American ship.

Scientists hope to learn more about the vessels, which were first discovered 5,000 feet below the surface back in 2001.