The HL Hunley: First Submarine to Sink an Enemy Ship

The H.L. Hunley was a submarine built by the Confederate States of America in 1863, during the American Civil War. Two tragic mishaps during testing resulted in the deaths of 13 crewmen in Charleston Harbor, including its namesake, Horace Lawson Hunley. The Hunley was finally put into action in 1864, when it successfully ventured into the Atlantic Ocean, and rammed the USS Housatonic with its spar torpedo, and sank her. The Hunley was the first submarine to ever sink an enemy ship. But the submarine disappeared with its 8 crewmen, and its location remained a mystery for over a hundred years. Today, the HL Hunley resides at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. This episode explores the history of early semi-submersible and submersible vessels, and the gradual development of submarine technology, including the Confederate built David class vessels, the Pioneer, American Diver, and finally the HL Hunley. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠. Original theme music by ⁠Sean Sigfried⁠. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! ⁠⁠⁠https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠⁠⁠ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠ Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠ Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Threads⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Facebook⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices