Narco-submarine
A narco-submarine (also called a drug sub or narco sub) is a type of custom ocean-going, self-propelled, semi-submersible or fully-submersible vessel built for smugglers. Newer semi-submersibles are "nearly-fully" submersible in order to reduce likelihood of detection by visual, radar, sonar, or infrared systems. Cargo capacity varies widely with vessel size, although several tons is typical. In 2015, the largest-known cargo of was seized on a semi-submersible craft. Some contemporary narco-subs are capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. History During the 1980s, go-fast boats were the smuggling vessel of choice in many parts of the world. Go-fast boats became more vulnerable to radar detection as radar technology improved, leading to the development of semi-submersibles. In 1988, an unmanned submarine was found off Boca Raton, Florida. It was designed to be towed by a boat and submerged by remote control. The sub was empty, but officials and authorities believe it was for smuggling after it was realized the hatch could be opened only from the outside. 2000s In 2006 a submarine was seized southwest of Costa Rica. The U.S. Coast Guard dubbed it Bigfoot because they heard rumors of their existence, but never saw any. In 2006, the U.S. detected three vessels