4-18-2023 1:23am

Local Divers Find Submarine at Bottom of Long Island Sound

Samantha Hespos Editor

Over the weekend in Long Island Sound, a submarine was discovered by divers from Connecticut, which is an astounding finding.

The initiative was led by a man from Coventry, who came across a historic item in the waters near Old Saybrook.

"All these years, it has remained hidden in plain view," stated the Vice President of Shoreline Diving Services, Richard Simon.

Ship captains and explorers in the state often told Simon tales of The Defender while he was growing up.

According to Simon, his upbringing revolved around diving due to his father's profession as a commercial diver. As a result, he has a passion for shipwrecks and exploration.

Constructed in 1907, the Defender is a prototype submarine whose creator drew inspiration from the iconic Jules Verne book, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."

"The Defender was equipped with wheels that enabled it to operate underwater and a door for releasing divers," Simon explained.

"It has been submerged for over 75 years."

In spite of a disappointing attempt on Friday, Simon, a professional diver hailing from Coventry, collaborated with a crew to embark on an expedition aimed at locating the mysterious submarine. They made another endeavor on Sunday.

Simon explained that they drop a grappling hook from their research vessel in an attempt to latch onto the side of a submarine. They then descend using the hook in hopes of finding one.

On that day, two team members went for a dive while he supervised deck operations. When the divers emerged, there was an instant of complete elation.

Simon exclaimed that it was incredibly thrilling and filled with lots of shouting, screaming, and enthusiasm. He added that after many years of conducting research, they had finally reached this point.

Simon and his team have plans to continue diving and recording The Defender.

Simon expressed his hope to continue documenting and sharing their findings throughout the summer, as they have only just begun and plan to dive deeper into the subject.

Simon and his team's efforts are focused on securing the safety of the submarine. Simon expressed his desire to witness the eventual retrieval of The Defender for exhibition in a museum, allowing for widespread public appreciation.