The men lived for the moment the boat ascended to the surface and the hatch in the conning tower was opened. "The first breath of fresh air, the open conning-tower hatch and the springing into life of the Diesels, after fifteen hours on the bottom, is an experience to be lived through," said another commander, Martin Niemöller.
In "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania," Erik Larson captures the intense emotions experienced by submarine crews after prolonged missions beneath the surface. The men eagerly anticipate the moment their vessel resurfaces, symbolizing freedom from the claustrophobic confines of their underwater world. They cherish the simple pleasure of fresh air and the invigorating sound of their Diesel engines coming back to life.
Commander Martin Niemöller's reflection highlights the profound relief and exhilaration felt during this transition. After spending up to fifteen hours underwater, the act of surfacing becomes not just a physical release, but a powerful shared experience among the crew, marking the conclusion of their submerged endurance and the return to the open skies above.
