LIFE SAVING FOR SUBMARINES [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sta,—In view of the great risks undertaken by men in sub- marines, would it not be possible to equip such boats with a form of life-saving appliance ? I suggest that each submarine should carry some kind of diver's suits sufficient for the whole crew in both the bow and stern compartments. The suits would each be fitted with a cylinder of compressed air by which the man could breathe and also inflate the dress. After an accident the entombed men would don their life-saving suits and let the water into their compartment, possibly by means of sliding doors. In such manner they could get out and reach the surface.
Perhaps some of your readers can say if this has ever been tried. I have only given a rough outline of the idea and am aware that the water pressure and the methods of air supply for breathing and inflating the dress would have to be con- sidered. I feel strongly that practically all the help that can be given must come from within the submarine. We can't get to the entombed sailors, they must come to us. Cannot we give them the power to do so ?—I am, Sir, &e.,
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