A hundred people had gathered around a central evacuation hatch and were milling happily, discussing all manner of things.

Mr. Ashley said Commander Mooney, who could not be reached for comment, also told him that his son's condition seemed to worsen as sailors labored to tilt the stretcher through the evacuation hatch.

Openings are provided for fitting of commander's and gunner's cupolas, two access and evacuation hatches for engineer section, holes for radio set antenna, rotating periscope, driver's cover, refueling port and two lookout ports (for observation and for firing personal weapons).