According to the scientists studying the submarine, the crew did not operate the emergency keel release mechanisms the night they lost their lives in the experimental, 40-foot vessel. The public will soon have the opportunity to see the forward and aft keel blocks, among the first fully conserved components of the Hunley submarine. The keel blocks will be available for viewing starting in July during weekend tours. The blocks represent a significant breakthrough in conservation as well as an important clue for those working to solve the mystery of the Hunley’s disappearance.

An Intriguing Maritime Mystery

In 1864, the Hunley became the world’s first successful combat submarine with the sinking of the USS Housatonic. Historical records indicate the submarine’s crew signaled to shore they were on the way back home but instead they vanished without a trace. The reason surrounding the Hunley’s loss has remained an intriguing maritime mystery for over a century. Many theories have circulated over the years to explain the final moments that resulted in the death of her eight-man crew. A popular theory is the Hunley got stuck on the seabed, unable to rise. Cranking the submarine over 4 miles to their target would have been physically exhausting to the crew. To ease the stress, they planned their approach with the outgoing tide. It is possible they waited on the bottom of the ocean floor for the tides to turn so they could use the current to help get back home. If they somehow got stuck, they likely would have attempted to drop some of the heaviest keel blocks to help them rise back up to begin the return journey to land. However, the blocks were found fastened in place, meaning they did not attempt to use this emergency function.