WORLD'S FIRST SUBMARINE

The first submersible, a pioneering feat in underwater exploration, was the Turtle, designed by American inventor David Bushnell in 1775 during the Revolutionary War. This one-man, wooden vessel, resembling a barrel with a propeller and rudder, was the first submarine used in combat. Operated by hand-cranked propellers, it relied on human power for movement and submerged by flooding a small compartment, resurfacing via hand-pumped water expulsion. Its purpose was to attach explosive devices to British warships, notably targeting HMS Eagle in 1776. Sergeant Ezra Lee piloted the Turtle but failed to attach the explosive due to a copper hull and navigational challenges. Despite its mission’s failure, the Turtle marked a significant milestone, demonstrating the potential for underwater navigation and warfare. Constructed from oak and sealed with tar, it featured a rudimentary snorkel for air and cork instruments for depth gauging. While primitive, it inspired future submarine designs, showcasing human ingenuity in overcoming the ocean’s challenges. Its legacy lies in proving submersible technology’s feasibility, paving the way for modern submarines and deep-sea exploration, forever changing naval strategy and underwater discovery.