Sub Marine Explorer

Sub_Marine_Explorer_Wreck

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Sub Marine Explorer is an early submarine designed and built in the 1860s by the German-American engineer Julius H. Kroehl. The vessel is notable for its advanced design and its use in underwater exploration and salvage operations.

Design and Construction

The Sub Marine Explorer was constructed in Brooklyn, New York, and launched in 1866. It was one of the first submarines to incorporate a pressure hull, allowing it to dive to significant depths. The submarine was cylindrical in shape, with a length of approximately 36 feet and a diameter of 4 feet. It was powered by a compressed air engine, which allowed it to remain submerged for extended periods.

Operational History

The Sub Marine Explorer was initially used for pearl diving operations off the coast of Panama. The vessel's ability to dive to depths of up to 100 feet made it highly effective for this purpose. However, the submarine's operational history was marred by technical difficulties and health issues among the crew, likely due to decompression sickness.

Rediscovery and Preservation

The Sub Marine Explorer was rediscovered in the early 2000s, partially buried in the sands of the Pearl Islands off the coast of Panama. Efforts have been made to preserve the vessel and study its historical significance. The submarine is considered an important artifact in the history of underwater exploration and technology.

Legacy

The Sub Marine Explorer is recognized as a pioneering design in the field of submarine engineering. Its use of a pressure hull and compressed air engine were significant advancements that influenced later submarine designs. The vessel is also a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of 19th-century engineers like Julius H. Kroehl.

See Also

• Julius H. Kroehl
• Submarine
• Decompression sickness
• Pearl diving
• Pressure hull
• Compressed air engine

Related Pages

• History of submarines
• Underwater exploration
• Naval engineering
• Marine archaeology