Chapter 387 Submarine in Action

Chapter 387 Submarine in Action

September 17th, 1821

In the Ionian Sea, an Ottoman submarine, recently bought from Russia, moved quietly beneath the waves. The vessel, under the command of Captain Ivan Petrovich, a Russian hire, was on a secret mission to intercept French ships supplying the Greek revolutionaries.

The submarine's interior was tight and functional, filled with the sounds of machinery and crew at work. Captain Petrovich, known for his no-nonsense approach, monitored the controls closely. His crew, a mix of Ottoman and Russian sailors, were focused and efficient.

Their objective was clear: to locate and disrupt the supply routes of the Greek revolutionaries by targeting French supply ships. This mission was critical to the Ottoman Empire's strategy against the Greek uprising.

As the submarine approached its target, the periscope operator reported a ship in range. "Ship sighted, bearing 2-1-0, 1500 meters away," he announced.

"Do you see a French flag?" Ivan asked.

The periscope operator, squinting through the lens, confirmed, "Yes, Captain, it's a French merchant vessel, a Victory Class."

Captain Petrovich gave a curt nod. "Prepare to engage. Dive to periscope depth," he ordered promptly after the confirmation of the French flag. The submarine began a controlled descent, keeping the periscope just above the water for navigation and targeting.

"We're in position," announced the navigator, his eyes fixed on the instruments.

Captain Petrovich peered through the periscope, observing the French merchant vessel. "Load torpedoes," he instructed calmly. The weapons team efficiently moved to comply, loading the torpedoes into their tubes.

The captain took a final look through the periscope, ensuring the alignment for the attack. "Target is in range. Fire torpedoes," he commanded.

The crew tensed as the torpedoes were launched, the faint sound of their departure echoing through the submarine. Moments later, a distant explosion sounded.

Captain Ivan peered through the periscope and saw a receding column of water where the torpedo had struck the French vessel. The merchant ship was listing heavily, flames visible on its deck.

"Direct hit," he announced, turning to his crew. "Maintain periscope depth and observe."nove(l)bi(n.)com

The crew watched through the periscope as chaos unfolded on the French ship. Sailors scrambled to fight the fire and launch lifeboats. It was evident that the vessel wouldn't last long in its current state.

"Align for attack," he ordered. The crew expertly maneuvered the submarine into position.

"Match!"

"Fire torpedoes," Captain Petrovich commanded after ensuring they had a clear shot.

The submarine vibrated subtly as the torpedoes were launched. Captain Petrovich and the crew watched the trails of the torpedoes through the periscope, tracking their course toward the target.

Moments later, another explosion echoed through the water, signaling another successful hit. Through the periscope, they could see the merchant vessel beginning to list, smoke billowing from its deck.

"Another direct hit," Captain Petrovich confirmed, turning to address his crew. "Prepare to dive and exit the area."

Captain Ivan and his Russian and Ottoman crew repeated the steps again and again, successfully targeting and sinking eight Victory Class merchant ships of the French Empire in less than two hours.

"If only the Ottoman Empire had bought more submarines, they would be able to sever the supply lines completely," Captain Petrovich thought to himself. "Submarines are truly effective in cutting off a nation's supply chain," he mused, acknowledging the strategic advantage these vessels provided.

***

Twenty minutes later, in Paris, France.

Most of the military headquarters of the French Empire Armed Forces are located in the capital city of France. One of them being the Imperial Navy. Within the opulent office of the Grand Admiral, Marshall Murat was overseeing bureaucratic tasks, a routine part of his high-ranking position.

The atmosphere in the room changed abruptly when an aide hurriedly entered, carrying urgent dispatches.

"Marshall Murat! Please take a look at this."

The aide handed Murat the letters and Murat perused it.

"Ten of our merchant ships sunk in the Ionian Sea? What the...something is sinking them...could be the Ottomans," Murat observed and added. "Very well, get me the nearest ship operating in the area...I will task it to hunt that's sinking them."