It is every submariner's worst nightmare. Systems failure, a weapon handling error or collision has left the submarine and its crew trapped beneath the waves. As supplies run out and the air turns foul, there may be only one thing keeping the men alive - hope of rescue. Yet the logistical problems of evacuating a sunken submarine (an alert triggered by the NATO reporting signal SUBSUNK) are varied, requiring meticulous planning and co-ordination.

A stark illustration of this is the fact that there has been only one successful submarine rescue in history (USS Squalus in 1939). Since the Second World War, 615 have died in submarine accidents, 118 of those in perhaps the most public naval tragedy of recent times, the loss of the Russian 'Oscar II'-class boat Kursk.

Developed and built in North Vancouver by Nuytco Research Ltd, this hard metal dive suit allows divers to operate safely down to a depth of 1000 feet and yet still have exceptional dexterity and flexibility to perform delicate work. The amazing technology of the EXOSUIT atmospheric diving system (ADS) maintains a cabin pressure of the surface and still allows the suit to bend due to a unique rotary joint invented by Dr. Phil Nuytten. 

• 1000 ft depth rated
• A536 Alluminum Alloy
• Weight 500-600 LBS depending on config

One of our submarines is missing..." This announcement is rarely heard but, when heard, it inspires deep feelings even for those who have no links to the sea.

Ever since human beings created the first submarines, there have been other, more claustrophobic people who have stared at the devices and thought: “Nope.” For many, the thought of the pipe and equipment-filled narrow metal confines is enough to trigger a fear of drowning even when they are standing on dry land. 

The worst nightmare of every submarine is that the submarine gets stuck in the depths with its crew, because of a system failure, explosive, transfer error or collision. When vital-maintenance supplies are depleted and breathable air begins to deteriorate, the only thing keeping submarines alive is hope of rescue. At the same time, the logistical issues of evacuation of a sunken submarine require meticulous planning and coordination.

But everyone who has ever looked at a sub, has at some point wondered: 

“If the boat goes down, is there any way out”?