I tried cutting through the canal once and it was a harrowing experience. I don't remember the exact sequence of events, but I know I either torpedoed or attempted to torpedo a DD and that the almost instant reaction was bombers, torpedo boats, and at least 2 other DDs being vectored to my location. All I really remember of what followed was several hours of running 1x at PD and on the surface (whenever I could) to try and shake my pursuers.
If you are looking for more than the usual excitement following a convoy attack and have a thing for shallow water and narrow channels, then it is something to experience at least once
I had attempted it in a type VII but I particularly recommend it to the die hard type IX fans
