Early boats demonstrated that an underwater attacker could threaten a warship, but their endurance, control, and survivability were deeply unreliable. Turtle's ingenious but unsuccessful attack on HMS Eagle and the human-powered Brandtaucher show how much depended on crew effort and favorable conditions. Sub Marine Explorer illustrates a commercial use for underwater craft: pearl collection. Hunley's successful spar-torpedo attack on USS Housatonic was a Pyrrhic result that sank the target and destroyed the submarine with all eight men aboard, after the boat had already suffered two fatal accidents.
Chapter · 13:14-20:50
Early submarine attacks: ingenuity at a lethal cost
Turtle, Nautilus, and H. L. Hunley show the appeal of underwater attack and the extraordinary danger to their crews.
American Civil WarBrandtaucher SubmarineCharleston HarborCommercial DivingConfederate NavyEarly SubmarinesH. L. Hunley (Submarine)HMS EagleHuman Powered SubmarinesRobert FultonRobert Fulton Submarine NautilusSpar TorpedoesSub Marine ExplorerSubmarine AccidentsSubmarine SurvivabilityTorpedoesTurtleUS NavyUSS Housatonic