More clues to CSA mystery sub

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Scientists studying the world's first submarine to sink an enemy ship, CSS H.L. Hunley - built at Mobile, Ala. - said July 17 that the doomed Confederate crew did not release an emergency mechanism that could have helped the vessel to surface quickly. The 1,000 pounds of “keel blocks” would typically keep the Hunley upright, but also could be released with three levers to allow the sub to surface fast in an emergency, according to archaeologist Michael Scafuri, who has worked on the submarine 18 years. Scientists who removed the century of corrosion, silt and shells from the Hunley found that the levers all locked into their regular position. "It's more evidence there wasn't much of a panic on board," Scafuri said. The Hunley and its eight crewmembers disappeared in February 1864 in Charleston Harbor shortly after signaling it had placed explosives on the hull of the USS Housatonic. Ever since the Hunley was raised in 2000, scientists have tried to determine why the sub never surfaced. The keel blocks don't give a definitive answer, but provide clues. Yet, there are other theories, and they can’t be ruled out. The next step is the removal of more materials that have collected on the hull. "We keep seeing parts that no one has seen in 150 years," Scafuri said. The keel blocks go on display at the Hunley's North Charleston museum July 21. (Source: The Associated Press 07/18/18)