A 60-year-old farmer in eastern China has achieved a remarkable feat of engineering, successfully building a functional submarine in his backyard. The story of Zhang Shengwu, from Maanshan in Anhui province, is gaining international attention as a testament to ingenuity, and determination.
Zhang, a villager with no formal training in naval engineering or advanced mechanics, spent approximately $700 and six months constructing his submarine, dubbed “Big Black Fish.” The 5-metric-ton vessel is capable of diving to a depth of 8 meters, according to reports from China Daily and China Daily Hong Kong.
The farmer’s fascination with invention began in childhood. After years working in carpentry, welding, and the shipping industry, Zhang returned to his hometown and established a wharf to sell sand. It was there, observing cargo ships, that the idea of building his own submarine took root. Inspired by a television program showcasing submarine construction in 2014, Zhang resolved to bring his vision to life, despite initial concerns from his family regarding the cost and risks involved.
Drawing on his practical experience with boats and handcrafted work, Zhang meticulously assembled the submarine. The Global Times reported that his first prototype measured 6 meters in length, 1.2 meters in height, and weighed 2 tons.
Zhang Shengwu’s accomplishment highlights the potential for innovation outside of traditional academic and industrial settings, and underscores a spirit of self-reliance and ingenuity that continues to resonate in communities across China.
