World War Two Torpedo Boat Sees Daylight After 78 Years

The Russian Navy has raised a torpedo boat sunk during World War Two. Despite 78 years underwater it is in incredible condition. The G-5 type boat was involved in the defense of Sevastopol in Crimea in 1941-42. The Russian Ministry of defense reported (in Russian) that the vessel was raised in Karantynna Bay, Sevastopol.

The G-5 series were an interesting design. Torpedo boats are often overlooked in favor of larger warships. But during this period there was a lot of innovation in this space. And the Soviet G-5 were distinctly different from what most people imagine a torpedo boat to look like. Their sweeping lines, curved hull and submarine-like bridge give them a classic sports car look.

They were actually built a lot like an aircraft without the wings. Ahead of the cockpit were two inline V12 aircraft engines, each developing 850 bhp. The cockpit itself was barely large enough for the pilot to stand up in, and behind it were two torpedoes. These weapons were carried facing forward. They were launched by sliding them off the back because they actually went slower than the boat itself.

The aircraft influence also meant that they were built out of duralumin, a type of aluminium used by the aerospace industry. This made them incredibly light, and translated into an impressive top speed of about 60 mph. But there is a reason other boats aren’t made of this. It corrodes very quickly in seawater so the boats could not be left in the water for more than a few days at a time.

As well as torpedo attacks these sleek craft were used for mine laying and covert transports. After the war a handful were transferred to North Korea who used them, unsuccessfully, against American warships in the Korean War.

The North Koreans even claim that one sunk the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Baltimore in 1950. It is patently untrue. Baltimore was out of commission at the time and enjoyed a second career from 1951-56.

The G-5 responsible, No.21, is on display at the ‘Victorious War Museum’ in the capital, Pyongyang. That happens to be the same museum as where the probable U.S. Navy underwater spy drone is on display.

Since that era torpedo boats have fallen out of favor, replaced by missile boats and larger vessels. One of the few navies still operating them is Cuba which has some quirky homegrown designs.

Back in Sevastopol, the salvaged G-5 appears is an impressive sight. Despite being made from duralumin the hull is in incredible condition. The Russian Ministry of Defense said that it may be considered as a museum piece.