Inside the old wreck
The revelation about the broken pipe and the gap in the submarine’s wall came to light after restoration workers meticulously removed layers of concretion from the Hunley. Concretion, a hard, dense mass of material that accumulates on objects submerged in water for extended periods, had encased the submarine.
This substance, composed of shells, sand, and marine life, posed a significant challenge to conservators. The removal process was painstaking and labor-intensive, with workers spending countless hours in cramped and uncomfortable positions, especially within the confined spaces of the crew’s compartments. This careful and detailed restoration work was crucial in uncovering the secrets of the Hunley, providing invaluable insights into its design, operation, and ultimately, its tragic fate.