A few weeks ago, we told you about the two WWII Chariots -- a.k.a., "human torpedoes" -- resting in the water off Thailand's coast. A salvage team, led by marine engineer Chris Parton, had asked Phuket's Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura for permission to salvage the battery-powered units, submerged for 60+ years. Uswarangkura agreed, provided the British Ministry of Defence said it was okay. Unfortunately for Parton, the Ministry of Defence did not say it was okay.
The British Navy has disallowed the operation, claiming that the torpedoes might be damaged during the salvage process. According to Uswarangkura, the navy "prefers scuba divers to see the vessel on the sea floor." Consequently, the governor plans to develop the area in which the vessels currently rest as a recreational dive spot. Parton's loss is our gain: "diving torpedoes" sounds like fun!
1. One wonders if the "detachable limpet mines" are still attached--that might allow for an exciting dive.
Posted at 11:19AM on Jun 21st 2006 by Buddah