Motorised Submersible Canoe

Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC), also known as a Sleeping Beauty, is a type of submersible used during the World War II by the British Royal Navy for special operations. It was designed to be operated by one man who would lie prone in the canoe.

Design and Development

The MSC was designed by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the Second World War. The design was based on a captured Italian submersible, the Maiale. The MSC was a small, electrically powered submersible canoe. It was 12 feet long and 3 feet wide, with a maximum speed of 4.5 knots. The operator would lie prone in the canoe, steering and controlling the depth with a joystick.

Operational Use

The MSC was used for several special operations during the war. These included Operation Rimau, an unsuccessful attempt to attack Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour, and Operation Jaywick, a successful raid on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour. The MSC was also used for reconnaissance and sabotage missions.

Legacy

The MSC is considered a precursor to modern Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs), which are used by special forces for covert operations. The MSC is on display at the Imperial War Museum in London.

See also

• Human torpedo
• Midget submarine
• Underwater diving

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