What Killed The Crew Of The Hunley

[Gwaithmir]

There was a movie called "The Hunley" about ? 20 years ago.  Their interpretation was that the attack on the Housatonic caused enough damage to cause it to sink to the bottom unable to rise but with the men still alive within.  Not wanting to wait for the air to run out, they agree to open the valves and drown themselves and get it over with.  Dramatic for a movie, as they all sing a last song together, but it would account for them all being at their stations.

I recall seeing that film a few years after it was released. I thought the ending was rather corny and unrealistic. It was my opinion, even back in the mid-1960's, that the Hunley crew had died from concussion when their torpedo exploded.

[Cavebear]

There was a movie called "The Hunley" about ? 20 years ago.  Their interpretation was that the attack on the Housatonic caused enough damage to cause it to sink to the bottom unable to rise but with the men still alive within.  Not wanting to wait for the air to run out, they agree to open the valves and drown themselves and get it over with.  Dramatic for a movie, as they all sing a last song together, but it would account for them all being at their stations.

I recall seeing that film a few years after it was released. I thought the ending was rather corny and unrealistic. It was my opinion, even back in the mid-1960's, that the Hunley crew had died from concussion when their torpedo exploded.

More likely died suffocating to sleep and death praying for help to the end. No one willingly drowns.

[jerry mcmasters]

There was a movie called "The Hunley" about ? 20 years ago.  Their interpretation was that the attack on the Housatonic caused enough damage to cause it to sink to the bottom unable to rise but with the men still alive within.  Not wanting to wait for the air to run out, they agree to open the valves and drown themselves and get it over with.  Dramatic for a movie, as they all sing a last song together, but it would account for them all being at their stations.

I recall seeing that film a few years after it was released. I thought the ending was rather corny and unrealistic. It was my opinion, even back in the mid-1960's, that the Hunley crew had died from concussion when their torpedo exploded.

More likely died suffocating to sleep and death praying for help to the end.  No one willingly drowns.

I would rather open the hatch and drown rather than slowly suffocate, gasping for air.

[jerry mcmasters]

There was a movie called "The Hunley" about ? 20 years ago.  Their interpretation was that the attack on the Housatonic caused enough damage to cause it to sink to the bottom unable to rise but with the men still alive within.  Not wanting to wait for the air to run out, they agree to open the valves and drown themselves and get it over with.  Dramatic for a movie, as they all sing a last song together, but it would account for them all being at their stations.

"Isn't it pretty to think so?"

?

Not really...?

[Minimalist]

But they were sitting at their stations.  And apparently made no effort to move.

[Thumpalumpacus]

There was a movie called "The Hunley" about ? 20 years ago.  Their interpretation was that the attack on the Housatonic caused enough damage to cause it to sink to the bottom unable to rise but with the men still alive within.  Not wanting to wait for the air to run out, they agree to open the valves and drown themselves and get it over with.  Dramatic for a movie, as they all sing a last song together, but it would account for them all being at their stations.

"Isn't it pretty to think so?"

?

Not really...?

Meaning -- it's a noble story, but I doubt the end was that singsong stay-at-your-stations stuff. Death rarely is.

Hemingway line, characteristically short and to-the-point.

But they were sitting at their stations.  And apparently made no effort to move.

Yep, death usually comes fast underwater.

[Minimalist]

It couldn't have flooded that fast with no damage to the hull.

[jerry mcmasters]

"Isn't it pretty to think so?"

?

Not really...?

Meaning -- it's a noble story, but I doubt the end was that singsong stay-at-your-stations stuff. Death rarely is.

Hemingway line, characteristically short and to-the-point.

Ah okay, thanks.

[PopeyesPappy]

Speaking of the Hunley, fiction author and the man responsible for locating the wreak died today. He was 88.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Speaking of the Hunley, fiction author and the man responsible for locating the wreak died today. He was 88.

Was he using a steam-powered Hunley to prove that the South won?

Or would that be too weird?

[no one]

Legend has it; they were forced to endure a round the clock sales pitch from drick.

[Minimalist]

Clive Cussler?

I thought he was already dead.

[PopeyesPappy]

Clive Cussler?

I thought he was already dead.

Shit. Guess I left that rather important part out. 

Yes Cussler, and no he just passed today.

ETA: Looks like he died on the 24th, but it just made the national headlines today.