The Wurrfler's Conning Tower Hatch

Heavy metal hatch atop the conning tower of the Nazi U-boat The Wurrfler seals the deck from the interior compartments. The Captain and his aides descend through it as water floods the deck during dive preparations. An aide pulls the hatch shut with a clang, isolating the bridge crew below while Indiana Jones fights to board from outside, lashing himself to the exposed periscope.

2 appearances

Purpose

Grants access between the conning tower deck and the submarine's lower decks for crew entry and exit.

Significance

Marks the crew's final withdrawal below as the sub submerges, trapping Indy in a desperate scramble and shifting the scene from open confrontation to covert infiltration.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Hold Fire — Shliemann's Restraint & Indy's Periscope Lifeline

The heavy conning tower hatch is pulled closed by the Captain as he goes below, physically sealing the bridge and precipitating the dive which creates the hazardous flooding Indy must survive.

Before: Open while officers remain on the bridge.

After: Shut with a clang, isolating the bridge and enabling the sub to dive; it separates Indy (outside) from the bridge crew below.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Tethered to the Periscope

The heavy conning-tower hatch is pulled shut by the Captain after he departs, physically sealing the bridge from outside access and precipitating the sub's dive that floods the deck and forces Indy's fight for survival.

Before: Open enough for officers to move between deck and interior as they finish the standoff.

After: Closed and secured, isolating the bridge interior and leaving Indy's presence on deck unobserved from below.

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