The journey to France after they were sunk was amazing in its self. Atlantis was sunk off the west coast of Africa around the equator. The crew were then rescued by a U-boat. This U-boat was sunk by the royal navy, so the crew of the atlantis, and the U-boat were then rescued by another u-boat. As news of this rescue spread they were joined by a further 6 German and Italian U-boats before they arrived safely in Brest.

(Although Atlantis was disguised as numerous merchant vessels, the crew were dressed as German seamen. And the German Battle Ensign was always raised at the same time the guns were being exposed and fired.)