29 AUGUST 1863 â Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley sank in Charleston harbor for the first time. After making several practice dives in the harbor, the submarine was moored by lines fastened to steamer Etiwan at the dock at Fort Johnson. When the steamer moved away from the dock unexpectedly, H. L. Hunley was drawn onto her side. She filled with water and rapidly sank, carrying with her five gallant seamen. Lt. Payne commanding and two others escaped. H. L. Hunley was subsequently raised and refitted, as, undaunted by the âunfortunate accident,â another crew volunteered to man her. She sank again on 15 October 1863, killing all eight of her second crew, including Horace Hunley himself, who was aboard at the time, even though he was not a member of the Confederate military. Both times the Hunley was raised and returned to service. Who will volunteer to be the third crew? rochestermilitary.com