A new clue could explain the mysterious disappearance of the H.L. Hunley

[JWLaRue]

Found this on cnn.com:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/16/us/civil-war-submarine-hunley-clue-trnd/index.html

(hint: it's a broken ballast tank pipe)

-Jeff

[subdude]

Interesting find, cool that they're still finding things in their work removing the solidified mud in the interior.

But, given the other findings of the crew all at their stations, no injuries, etc everything still points to asphyxiation while peacefully sitting on the bottom.

And a general plug, if you have not yet been to Charleston to see the Hunley, do it. Now. Make vacation plans if you have to. It's incredible history.

Jim

[apa-228]

I read this report that they died from the concussion of the spar torpedo explosion. It seemed pretty compelling stating the travel speed of the shock wave striking the Hunley. It also explains why they were still at their assigned posts. I don't think men, no matter how dedicated to their tasks would be sitting placidly waiting to die a slow death. https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KL...AWWqhEooyENGg-

[subdude]

I agree that concussion is certainly a likely scenario. Either way, as you said they weren't trying to get out, which makes me doubt the 1" hole flooding the boat theory.

Jim

[feet wet]

Well, if the concussion was enough to kill to crew, then might it not have been enough to shear the pipe. That said, the collision with the bottom may have also been enough to shear the pipe. Of course that does not explain what caused the collision with the bottom, other than the lack of distance between the hull and the mud. I think I am going to adopt a middle name, Conjecture.