Surviving under Water: Can You Stay Alive in a Watertight Room on a Sinking Ship?

When faced with the dramatic scenario of a sinking ship, particularly one that is fully submerged, the condition of the watertight room you are in can significantly determine your chances of survival. This article delves into the critical aspects of water pressure, the structural integrity of a watertight room, and the survival factors in such an emergency.

Understanding Water Pressure and Depth

Water pressure increases with depth due to the weight of the water above. The Commonly recognized formula is approximately 1 atmosphere (atm) for every 10 meters or 33 feet of depth. For instance, if a ship is fully submerged at 200 feet, it would experience around 20 atm of pressure from the water outside.

Structural Integrity and Watertight Rooms

A watertight room is designed to withstand the water pressure. If constructed and maintained properly, the room can protect its inhabitants from the extreme pressures outside. However, if the room is not designed for such conditions, it can collapse or implode, leading to catastrophic outcomes.

What Happens if the Room Collapses?

Should the watertight room fail, the consequences can be severe. A collapse would result in the water rushing in, and the occupants could be swept away. Additionally, the extreme pressure from the outside water can cause physical harm or even death. The pressure difference can exert forces strong enough to cut through solid materials, as evidenced by the ocean's pressure on granite.

Survival Factors

For survival in such a confined space, several key factors come into play:

Integrity of the Watertight Room: If the room remains intact, you stand a better chance of surviving. However, maintaining the integrity of a watertight room at great depths is crucial and requires robust engineering. Air Supply: Oxygen is vital for survival. A constant supply of breathable air must be ensured to prevent asphyxiation. Without a fresh air supply, oxygen levels can dangerously drop. Communication and Visibility: Communication with the outside world and visibility are essential for rescue efforts. They can also help in planning and carrying out rescue operations. Psychological Preparedness: The mental and emotional well-being of the occupants is critical during prolonged stays in such conditions.

Real-world Examples and Video Proof

There are documented instances where individuals have survived in watertight rooms on submerged ships. For example, a fascinating video illustrates a scenario where a ship sank, and a diver later found a survivor inside the ship. The diver in the video sounds like a Smurf due to breathing a helium mixture, vital for deep diving operations.

Historical Evidence: The USS Thresher and USS Scorpion

Historically, the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion both succumbed to crush depth, the maximum depth to which a submarine can survive hydrostatic pressure before structural failure occurs. The USS Thresher is particularly noted for its implosion at depths around 400-600 meters, where the water pressure reaches about 50 atm or 750 psi. This pressure, though less than a pressure washer, can have the force of a car crash.

Implications for Modern Submarines

Modern submarines, unlike those from World War II, do not typically have bulkheads or pressure doors between compartments, except for the reactor room and a few other spaces. This is because the weight of additional bulkheads would increase the submarine's overall weight, reducing its maneuverability and stability. However, this design also means that any breach at depth can lead to a rapid loss of buoyancy and potential catastrophic failure.

Understanding and preparing for such risks is paramount for the safety and survival of individuals in watertight rooms on submerged ships.