Can't slow to crawl without sinking - help!

Obersteuermann · 04-20-11, 02:53 PM

It's vital to keep a clear head when your boat's flooding. I very nearly lost U-93 in September 1943 when a lucky American destroyer dropped a depth charge that exploded right in front of my bows. All 4 for'ard tubes were destroyed and the boat started taking on water like a thirsty camel. Hull integrity 54%. I had to go to flank speed just to keep her from dropping below 150m while the damage control boys got the pumps running.

Had to blow ballast twice just to stop us from sinking into the depths. I was getting really nervous by the time we finally gained positive buoyancy again - we only had enough air in the lines for one more blow and the destroyers were getting really persistent.

Luckily we pumped all the water out before another tin can found us, and the boat was manageable after that. Have faith in your crew, and never give up!

04-20-11, 02:53 PM	#5
Obersteuermann Shore leave Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 70 Downloads: 13 Uploads: 0	It's vital to keep a clear head when your boat's flooding. I very nearly lost U-93 in September 1943 when a lucky American destroyer dropped a depth charge that exploded right in front of my bows. All 4 for'ard tubes were destroyed and the boat started taking on water like a thirsty camel. Hull integrity 54%. I had to go to flank speed just to keep her from dropping below 150m while the damage control boys got the pumps running. Had to blow ballast twice just to stop us from sinking into the depths. I was getting really nervous by the time we finally gained positive buoyancy again - we only had enough air in the lines for one more blow and the destroyers were getting really persistent. Luckily we pumped all the water out before another tin can found us, and the boat was manageable after that. Have faith in your crew, and never give up!