Mysteries at the Monument Season 3 Episode 4 Savior of the Squalus

In Mysteries at the Monument season 3 episode 4, titled "Savior of the Squalus," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the tragic sinking of the USS Squalus submarine in 1939, and the subsequent heroic rescue mission that followed.

Located at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, the USS Squalus was a state-of-the-art submarine that was considered one of the most advanced vessels of its time. However, on May 23, 1939, the submarine encountered a mechanical failure while performing a test dive and ultimately sank to the bottom of the ocean.

Rescue efforts quickly commenced, but time was of the essence as the Squalus was located over 200 feet below the surface and only one third of its crew had managed to escape to the surface. Enter, Charles "Swede" Momsen, a naval officer and submarine expert who had long championed the development of deep-sea diving technology to aid in submarine rescues.

Momsen quickly sprang into action and, with the help of his team, devised a revolutionary diving bell that could be lowered to the bottom of the ocean and used to bring the remaining crew members to safety. Against all odds, Momsen's invention worked, and all 33 crew members who were trapped on the Squalus were ultimately rescued.

In "Savior of the Squalus," viewers are taken on a tour of several monuments that pay tribute to the heroic efforts of those involved in this incredible rescue mission. These include a statue of Commander Momsen at the U.S. Naval Academy, a plaque at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the USS Squalus Memorial in Kittery, Maine, which features the actual diving bell that was used to save the crew members.

Throughout the episode, viewers also learn more about the life and career of Charles "Swede" Momsen. Born in 1896, Momsen was a decorated naval officer who became obsessed with submarine technology after witnessing the sinking of the USS H-1 in 1920. Determined to improve the way that submarines were designed and operated, Momsen became known as an expert in diving and submarine rescue, and his efforts ultimately led to the development of the Momsen Lung, an underwater breathing device that allowed sailors to escape from sunken submarines.

Overall, "Savior of the Squalus" is a fascinating look at one of the most incredible rescue operations in naval history and the man behind it. Through a combination of stunning visuals, expert commentary, and powerful personal stories, this episode of Mysteries at the Monument brings the story of the USS Squalus and its rescuers to life in a way that is both informative and inspiring.