“My Homemade Submarine Could Kill Me”: Retired Chinese Farmer’s DIY Underwater Vessel Goes Viral While Maritime Experts Warn Of Catastrophic Pressure Failures

In a remarkable display of determination and creativity, a retired farmer from China has captivated the nation’s attention by constructing a homemade submarine, dubbed the “Big Black Fish.” This engineering marvel, built by Zhang Shengwu, a 60-year-old from Anhui Province, demonstrates the power of ingenuity and hands-on experience. Despite lacking formal engineering training, Zhang’s dedication has resulted in a vessel capable of diving to depths of 26 feet. His story not only highlights the potential within rural communities but also raises questions about the balance between innovation and safety in private engineering pursuits.

A Decade-Long Journey From Idea to Launch

Zhang Shengwu’s journey toward building a functioning submarine began in the Yangtze River basin, where his fascination with watercraft took root. Growing up, he watched cargo ships pass by and dreamed of creating something similar. The pivotal moment came in 2014 when he was inspired by a television segment featuring a submersible. This sparked his ambition to create a vessel that could explore beneath the waves.

With limited financial resources, Zhang embarked on his first submarine project. Using $700, he purchased scrap materials and worked tirelessly at night to construct a rudimentary vessel. Though it leaked and could only submerge shallowly, this initial effort earned him a national utility model patent in 2016. Encouraged by this success, Zhang was motivated to refine his design and pursue his dream of a functional submarine.

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Building the “Big Black Fish”

The second iteration of Zhang’s submarine, the “Big Black Fish,” represents a significant advancement in his work. With an investment of approximately $5,570, Zhang constructed a more robust and capable vessel. Measuring 22 feet in length and weighing 5 metric tons, the submarine is designed to accommodate two passengers. It employs ballast tanks for buoyancy control and incorporates two tons of concrete for stability.

Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Big Black Fish. Zhang reinforced welds with silicone and adhesive for watertightness. Inside, the cockpit features a blue-lit instrument panel and an external joystick. A waterproof camera mounted on a five-meter pole allows Zhang to survey the riverbed before diving, a feature that proved useful when retrieving a lost fishing net during testing.

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Viral Fame and Cautious Optimism

The maiden dive of the Big Black Fish in the Fengle River was captured on video and shared on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. The footage quickly went viral, highlighting the ingenuity behind Zhang’s project. While many praised his accomplishment, others raised concerns regarding the safety of privately built submarines.

Maritime experts have noted the challenges such vessels face, particularly in maintaining pressure integrity and ensuring reliable emergency surfacing systems. Despite these concerns, Zhang remains optimistic. His family, initially apprehensive about the risks and costs, now supports his endeavors. Zhang envisions building a larger submarine capable of deeper dives and longer voyages, driven by his unwavering passion and determination.

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Inspiration Beyond the Laboratory

Zhang Shengwu’s story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that innovation can thrive outside conventional laboratories and shipyards. In a rural setting with limited resources, his achievement resonates with those who believe in the power of self-teaching and perseverance. Zhang’s dedication to his craft has not only fulfilled a personal dream but has also become a symbol of what can be achieved with creativity and hard work.

Through the construction of the Big Black Fish, Zhang has demonstrated that ambition knows no bounds. His journey from idea to reality challenges the notion that cutting-edge projects are exclusive to well-funded researchers and engineers. His success poses an intriguing question: what other groundbreaking innovations might emerge from individuals pursuing their passions against the odds?