[colorado tanker]

Just visited the Hunley last month. Really interesting and well worth the visit. The guide (retired Navy submariner) said he could give us an argument for three different scenarios why the Hunley sank with evidence that could persuade us of each. But that was probably before this discovery.

One report from land said he saw the Hunley give the illuminated signal for a successful mission, which would be consistent with the open hatch theory.

[SunkenCiv]

I concur with colorado tanker's remarks, the lamp signal was the reason for the open hatch. Also, wildbill, a swell in the estuary or whatever with the very little freeboard on the sub would make a bad combo with the open hatch. I believe I've read that the sub sank twice before in shakedown and whatnot.