Narco-submarine captured by U.S. Coast Guard - video and infographic

[Jon]

U.S. Coast Guard catches a narco-submarine filled with cocaine and marijuana, and a U.S. soldier jumps onto the submarine and...punches it! I didn't even know people still smuggled weed into America. What's next - beer? To be accurate, I don't know if these homemade watercraft are really "submarines"; I think they're more accurately called "semi-submarines". 0:59 video:

Here's a nice infographic describing the history of captured narco-subs.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...c_fullsize.jpg




More:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narco-submarine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-submarine

Previously:

Submarine drone captures lionfish - video
Submarine cutaway - photo
Submarine cable cross-section - photo
steam-powered submarine
The H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to sink a warship

[Fluffle-Valve]

I've never heard of a Narco-submarine. Is it not a fully submersible machine?

[VinnieL]

The "Sub Captain" is lucky they didn't send him some bullets. Great job by the Coast Guard!!

[Toolmaker51]

I've never heard of a Narco-submarine. Is it not a fully submersible machine?

Not submersible. These are typically built at hidden sites, fiberglass needs hardly any power beyond a small generator to construct, and easily procured/ transported material. Every fraction of an inch submerging a hull might compound water-tight integrity problem x2 or more. Not to mention air for engine, exhaust and crewman Originally, sailboats were stolen; chop as much sheer off possible, exchange engine and payload for ballasted keel, enclose with a fiberglass top and lots of silicone and load it up. The larger cartels use tremendous resources to create semi-subs from the keel up.
A Coast Guardsman would object being called a soldier, they are Sailors through and through. Interdiction is just one job of Coast Guard, technically Ocean Police of entire globe, enforcing Navigation Rules of the Road, human trafficking, contraband of all kinds. Their reach has few limits, being able to board just about any vessel. Navies are restrained from such work like boarding, where conducting same is an act of war. One peacetime role of Navy is keep the shipping lanes [international waters] clear for commerce of piracy and rouge nation hazards. So for example in the Gulf, when a Navy ship calls a tanker 'haul to', the embarked Guardsmen comprise the boarding party. And as you can see, they are dressed for the occasion, those garments indicate expectation of serious business.
A connected YT shows a crew removing evidence, then flooding the criminal vessel with an eductor fed 4" line and seawater firepump to sink.

[Ralphxyz]

This was not a US Coast Guard operation, at least the guy yelling was not yelling in english.

The guy who casually strolled over and banged on the lid was cool.

It looked like they were moving fast but I think that was just wind chop.

Back when I was a kid I worked for a importer that wanted me to build him a sub.

Ralph

[Toolmaker51]

Oh he's Coastie alright or with local enforcement as translator. Like Border Patrol, multi-lingual abilities are a big recruitment bonus. The requirement that vessel handling is all English worldwide, only works for legitimate captains, comms-operators and harbor pilots.

[Jon]

The requirement that vessel handling is all English worldwide, only works for legitimate captains, comms-operators and harbor pilots.

Very good point. Never thought about it like this before.

[Toolmaker51]

Done things that made me humble. Done things which made me special. But as a veteran, working inter-service with USCG still lends satisfaction and pride over all.