A exhibit opening Saturday at the Maritime Museum of San Diego dramatizes a little-known incident during the Cuban Missile Crisis when a Russian submarine almost fired a nuclear torpedo.
The new permanent exhibit “To the Brink of War” takes place aboard the museum’s Foxtrot-class submarine, similar to the one involved in the 1962 crisis.
On October 27, 1962 , when the U.S. Navy dropped signalling grenades during the blockade of Cuba, a Russian captain aboard a sweltering submarine ordered the firing of a nuclear torpedo, but was talked out of it.
Kevin Sheehan, a historian on the museum’s staff, said even those familiar with the crisis will be surprised by how close the world came to nuclear war.
The $100,000 exhibit includes background information and a dramatization of the confrontation in the sub’s cramped control room.
“Almost like a ride, it’s going to be fun,” said Sheehan.
Visitors will also get a sense of the crowded, hot conditions aboard the submarine, where there was only one bunk for every two sailors.
Sheehan said many visitors will wonder, “How on earth did anyone live like this?”
However, at least the crew had much better food than the general population in impoverished communist Russia.
The museum opens daily at 9 a.m., and starting Memorial Day will stay open until 9 p.m.
