On April 2, 1863 an early version of a submarine, the USS Alligator, sank while under tow off the coast of
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This useless vessel was built with the intention of sinking the CSS Virginia, but
proved to be a complete failure in operations due to the fact she was powered by oars. The air supply was
another problem, it seems there was none and during one training mission the crew panicked when the air
became unbreathable. After some thought she was fitted with a screw propeller, still hand operated, and it
was decided to take her south and use her to capture Charleston.

A storm blew in while off Cape Hatteras and the crew of the USS Sumpter cut her loose to avoid being pulled
down by her, the Alligator sank and to this day has not been found. There is currently an effort underway to
locate the wreck, but she remains an elusive relic of days gone by.

© 2008 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com