The mysterious disappearance of Commander Lionel Crabb while conducting a covert underwater examination of a Soviet cruiser has gripped the public’s imagination for years. And the diving community too. An eccentric character, the uncertain circumstances, a botched MI6 cover-up and political embarrassment on an international scale came together in the perfect Cold War mystery. Previous books and media have almost exclusively focused on the most sensationalist and farfetched versions of the tale, including Conspiracy Theories. So this book, researched and authored by the Chairman of the Historical Diving Society, is a breath of fresh air. Read More >....
All articles
COMSUBIN trialing various Special Forces underwater equipment
The Italian Navy has published some very nice photos of COMSUBIN operating various underwater vehicles. None of these types are thought to be operational with the unit, but excellent photography. Read More >....
Narco-Subs spread to Brazil
The scene of cops swarming over a captured semi-sub (technically a Low Profile Vessel, LPV) deep in the South American jungle look familiar. It looks like a dozen similar drug busts spanning the last twenty years. But this is unique. Brazil is not known for Narco subs. In fact there have never been any found in the Brazilian rainforests; until now. Does this represent a one-off oddity, or a shift in the game? Read More >....
COBRA Semi-SWATH hybrid hull Small Tactical Craft
Lockheed Martin’s COBRA Small tactical Craft (STC) is a tactical transport/utility craft designed with extremely compact dimensions in order to be compatible with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The catamaran hull is actually semi-SWATH with wave-piercing hulls below the waterline.... Read More >....
Thunderball - classic CosMoS SDV in classic Bond movie
UPDATED. The orange midget sub in Thunderball is actually a real SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle). I recently watched back-to-back Bond classics on a transatlantic flight which reminded me. The horrific jetlag was well worth it. The underwater battle scenes in Thunderball are timeless, and are relevant to SDV history in a couple of ways. Read More >....
Book Review - Iron Fist from the Sea
South Africa's Seaborne Raiders 1978-1988.
This review is long overdue. I have read this book cover to cover, and found myself referring to it on multiple occasions since. It is a unique window into the secret history of one of the world’s most elite and accomplished ‘naval’ (they are Army!) Special Forces units. There is no other book to compare as far as 4 Reconnaissance Regiment (4RR) goes. Read More >....
Exclusive - Secret Submarine-Boat revealed
Italy is renowned for sleek and stylish speed boats. And acknowledged as a pioneer and world leader in underwater Special Forces technology. So it should come as no surprise that the elite Special Forces, COMSUBIN, operate some of the most powerful and impressive submersible boats in the world. But it will, because it is also one of the Special Forces community’s best kept secrets. Read More >....
Artwork - USN Special Boat Unit - Seafox
I got carried away with a side profile of the Seafox Special Warfare Craft Light... Read More >....
New Russian naval weapon - Status-6
Russian news sources 'leak' Russian nuclear Torpedo with special purpose submarines details Read More >....
11-11 We will remember them
