I don't if it was coincidence or on purpose but I just watched a History Channel presentation on submarine rescue and Cmdr Charles "Swede" Monsen(sp?). It showed footage of the rescue of the men of the Squalus in the 1930's. Many of the thoughts I had earlier about ways of escaping a sub were covered in the show. There was a type of breathing apparatus designed by Cmdr Monsen that would allow a person to leave a sunken sub and breathe through a controlled ascent to the top. Yes, Neil, I too heard similar news reports that hope is fast dwindling. My thoughts and prayers to all the families involved with this tragedy. Even though the brave men involved were of a foreign government, once our enemy, their dedication to their duty and their ideals are no less significant. (Almost sounds like a recent discussion of the imminent internment of the Hunley crew, doesn't it?)