Why was it covered up? The Navy said the USS Eagle sank from a boiler explosion to avoid panic and embarrassment. It was April 1945, days from victory, and admitting a German U-boat was attacking off Maine would’ve shown the U.S. coastline was still vulnerable. There was also concern about friendly-fire confusion and protecting classified anti-sub tactics. How close to shore? The wreck was found about 3–4 miles off Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine — practically in sight of land. Which U-boat