THE PIONEER’S FATE.

Northland Age, Volume IV, Issue 49, 27 July 1908, Page 2

THE PIONEER’S FATE.

An ingenious ship's carpenter named Day constructed the first submarine of which, we have any record in 1773. He converted an ordinary boat Into a divmg machino, and thin apparatus was successfully submerged in Yarmouth Roads at a depth of thirty feet. The Admiralty, satisfied with the success of the experiment, then placed the sum of £340 at Day's disposal, and with this ho purchased a fifty ton sloop, which he fitted up for future trials. The vessel contained a specially constructed large air chamber, while round the outside of the ship were suspended a number of large stones to make her sink. When it was desired to bring the vessel to the* surface the stones were detached from within. A successful trial was made with this peculiar ship in Plymouth Sound. Elated with success, the inventor next descended to the great depth of 130 ft. The pressure of the water at. this depth proved too much, and the vessel collapsed. The authorities endeavoured to raise the ship, but gave in after the first day, and there she lies till this day in the sound. On hearing of the accident g London physician hurried off post haste to Plymouth. The doctor believed that Day could be rostored to life if the body was recovered before decomposition set in, his theory being that the animal functions were only suspended. However, the body was not brought to the surface and the doctor was unnblo to carry out his wished-for experiment.