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Published: 2009-06-17 19:58:57 +0000 UTC; Views: 451; Favourites: 2; Downloads: 23
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Description
Also in the aft Torpedo Room is an escape trunk.This is NOT like the full featured one in the Forward Torpedo Room.This one does not have the air-lock ability of it's forward cousin.
The theory behind this device is to allow trapped crewman to flood the room until pressure is equal to the sea pressure. This device will trap an air bubble inside and allow the crew wearing Momsen Lungs( the first escape breathing device) to swim out of their stricken boat.
It was to the hatch above this, that the rescue chamber searched in vain for Squalus survivors.
After the spectacular rescue of the forward survivors, the navy decided to raise the submarine. The salvage attempt seem cursed from the beginning. After months of work the salvors managed to float/drag the boat into shallow water.
The navy figured that by having a diver enter the boat, they could shut the forward hatch in the After Torpedo Room.Then they could blow out several compartments with salvage air.
Commander Momsen who led the rescue and salvage operation(he also invented the rescue chamber and the "Momsen Lung") was dead set against this dangerous plan. He knew all the dangers a hard hat diver would face.
Momsen was overruled. Lt Julian Morrison volunteered to enter the boat.
Morrison and a fellow diver went down to the wreck. As Morrison struggled to squirm down the narrow hatch he became stuck. Something blocked his way from below.
With great difficulty he unstuck himself and climbed back onto Squalus' deck. His companion put the diving lantern down the trunk. It was jammed with bodies.
The plan to enter Sqaulus was cancelled.
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Comments: 3
DocMallard In reply to janejayne [2009-06-17 20:06:31 +0000 UTC]
That was put up to satisfy municipal codes.
The stairway is where the Torpedo loading hatch was at. It was put in to allow visitors to get in and out easily.
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