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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Photo: Civil War Sub May Have Been Downed by Unsealed Hatch


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The corroded interior of the U.S. Civil War submarine C.S.S. H.L. Hunley is seen here after scientists removed the sediment that had filled the recovered ship's interior. The Hunley sank during its historic 1864 raid in Charleston Harbor, where it became the first submarine to successfully down an enemy ship.

Researchers say they have found a major clue in the mystery of the submarine's sinking. A locking mechanism had been removed from one hatch, breaking its watertight seal.

Photograph by Ira Block/NGS