THE wreck of a German submarine from World War One containing the bodies of 23 crew members has reportedly been found at the bottom of the North Sea.

The well-preserved German U-boat, a UB II-type submarine, was found lying 98 feet below the surface off the coast of Belgium.

4 The well-preserved wreck of a World War One German submarine, possibly still containing the bodies of 23 crew members, found off the Belgian coast Credit: Reuters

It is thought to had been struck a mine, Belgian broadcaster VRT reported.

Carl Decaluwe, the governor of Western Flanders, said the vessel, which is 88 feet long and 20 feet wide, was a “unique” find.

He told reporters on Tuesday: “It’s quite amazing that we found something like this.

"The submarine is in such good condition that we reckon all the bodies are still on board."

Two torpedo tubes were found destroyed a the site of the wreck.

Authorities said they would not provide the exact location of the wreck found by researches to deter looters.

4 The German U-boat is said to be in good condition Credit: Reuters

4 A picture of a type UB II submarine at Zeebrügge from 1916 Credit: Flickr

4 This sketch shows the conning tower in good condition and the overall state of the submarine Credit: TOMAS TERMOTE

Earlier this year, unseen photographs of German World War One submarines washed up on a British beach were published for the very first time.

Historic England had decided to mark the 100-year anniversary of Germany's declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare by showing off the newly-acquired images.

The 93 German U-boats stationed in Belgian ports downed more than 2,500 ships but were also a target themselves, with 70 of them lost at sea, killing 1,200 sailors.

It was not yet clear which of the 11 known U-Boats had been found.

Belgium’s North Sea minister said he would investigate whether the wreck could be recognised as a heritage site.

The use of submarines in World War One to disrupt British trade routes in the English Channel and the North Sea was a key part of Germany's military tactics.