Platypus (submarine)

The Platypus was a submarine acquired by the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. Built in England by James Ashworth around 1862 and originally named The Submersible, the vessel was a privately constructed attempt to break the Union blockade. Described as an iron-hulled submersible, its design was relatively primitive and faced numerous mechanical and operational challenges.

Its dimensions are reported variably, but it was generally small, intended for a limited crew. Power was supplied manually, likely through a hand-cranked propeller. Intended to attack Union warships by either attaching explosives or operating submerged to slip past the blockade, the Platypus achieved limited success.

Historical records regarding its specific activities and ultimate fate are incomplete and sometimes contradictory. It operated primarily in the waters around Wilmington, North Carolina. The Platypus is believed to have been lost or captured sometime before the end of the Civil War, although details of its demise remain unclear. While not a significant military asset, the Platypus represents an early example of submarine development and Confederate ingenuity in the face of naval blockade.