Hi,

this cover was not attached to the strainer by means of any type of hinge.
When U 505 was abandoned, she was on the surface, which means, that this
opened strainer was max 3 meters below water surface. I can not estimate
how tough would be to stop such water rush.

U 505 during the capture had flooded aft compartments and was trimmed aft,
so both battery rooms (forward of control room) were secure from flooding.

Here you find a lot of informations from capturing action:

[uboatarchive.net]

During your tour in Chicago, you will surely see this opened strainer in the
aft part of control room as well as the cover.

If you will have any questions about boat's mechanics - go ahead.

If you will take some photos, I hope you will share with them

--
Regards
Maciek


[www.tvre.org]