layout of U-853

[all4scuba05]

I lost a link I had for schematics on where things are located on the U-853. Anyone care to share?
Going there Thursday and want to hit the highlights if possible.

 

[Johnw...ski]

Try this link to pages I scanned from Hank Keatts book
"Dive into History: U-Boats"

http://www.msnusers.com/1brunnu3im5qqiruas4if5sno1/Documents/Pictures/U-853.jpg

http://www.msnusers.com/1brunnu3im5qqiruas4if5sno1/Documents/Pictures/U-853 on bottom.jpg

Anyway if you enter from the loading hatch in the forward torpedo room heading aft through the bulkhead you will enter the crew quarters. Next is the officer quarters then the radio room and commanders quarters were there is a blast hole to the outside. Continuing on is the controll room under the conning tower, this is the darkest part of the dive, no outside light gets in here. Then through a hatch into the diesel engine room and mooving aft into the electric motor room. At the aft end of the electric motor room and the begining of the aft torpedo room is another blast hole and an easy exit.

Hope this helps

John

 

[ScubaSarus]

God luck on that trip Armando. Im looking to do some easy shallow diving in Weterly during the week next week if conditions are good. Not to bad of a ride for you. If you are intersted let me know.

 

[MSilvia]

http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/U505/virtualtour/photo_tour/index.html

 

[Sean222]

I lost a link I had for schematics on where things are located on the U-853. Anyone care to share?
Going there Thursday and want to hit the highlights if possible.

If this is your first time there, I would not recommend going inside. Tour the topside and see the Conning tower, Gun Mount and Hatches. I had my crew out there on Sunday and it was really nice, only one other boat there, Canned Air out of CT.

 

[Johnw...ski]

http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/U505/virtualtour/photo_tour/index.html

I've got to get a better light or clean my mask ao something,
I have never seen anything like that in the 853.
Great site though.

Thanks,

John

 

[Johnw...ski]

http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/U505/virtualtour/photo_tour/index.html

I've got to get a better light or clean my mask or something,
I have never seen anything like that in the 853.
Great site though.

Thanks,

John

 

[mstudley]

I've got to get a better light or clean my mask or something,
I have never seen anything like that in the 853.
Great site though.

Thanks,

John

They're very similar types (IXC & IXC/40). That site/museum exhibit is very useful if you wanted to do a walkthrough before exploring the interior of a wreck of the same type.

U-505 (IXC): http://uboat.net/boats/u505.htm

U-853 (IXC/40): http://uboat.net/boats/u853.htm

IXC/40 w/schematic: http://uboat.net/types/ixc40.htm

IXC w/schematic: http://uboat.net/types/ixc40.htm

 

[wreckedinri]

I've got to get a better light or clean my mask or something,
I have never seen anything like that in the 853.
Great site though.

Thanks,

John

I think what John is saying is that inside the 853 resembles nothing like the pretty, well lighted pictures that one sees on the website. While getting acquainted with the schematics and layout of any vessel that one wishes to explore as a wreck is a good idea, it does not prepare a diver for the reality of a dive inside the wreck. The 853 is no exception. In short, it is a dive through a long, dark, silt-covered, sometimes cramped, steel tube 130 feet deep with many hangs and sharp edges. Unless the lead diver on a buddy team is very vigilant about not using his fins, the buddy may see nothing but silt and his partner's fins. I am not trying to dissuade anyone from diving her, just be prepared. It's a cool dive if you are ready for it.

If this is your first time there, I would not recommend going inside. Tour the topside and see the Conning tower, Gun Mount and Hatches. . . .

IMHO . . . very good advice that is worth repeating.

Dive Safe,

Dennis

 

[all4scuba05]

It's not my first time. But for two of my buddies going with me it is. We're going with Captain Gordon on Canned Air. I wanted something to use during the dive planning with my buddies. We're not going in but don't want to miss the exterior highlights. Thanks for the info and advice.