Copenhagen, Denmark — Peter Madsen, a self-taught engineer, captivated many with his extraordinary submarine-building skills, but his obsession turned dark with tragic consequences. In 2008, Madsen unveiled the UC3 Nautilus, which became the largest amateur submarine globally, built within his private shipyard facility. His personal life, however, was rife with turmoil, including a marriage overshadowed by his pursuit of BDSM scenes and unconventional relationships, as detailed in Matthew Gavin Frank’s upcoming book, “Submersed: Wonder, Obsession, and Murder in the World of Amateur Submarines.”
Madsen’s intricate world of submarine construction culminated in a deadly episode on August 11, 2017, when he invited Swedish journalist Kim Wall aboard his vessel for a story she was writing. The 30-year-old journalist was brutally murdered, with her dismembered remains discovered along the coastal areas nearly two weeks later. Madsen, then 46, faced severe charges, including accusations of torture.
The heinous nature of Wall’s murder shocked the public, particularly given Madsen’s previously non-violent demeanor. Frank argues that the pursuit of submarine building can sometimes align with troubling psychological tendencies, suggesting an inward spiral can lead to dangerous extremes.
While Madsen acted alone, he was linked to a peculiar community of submarine enthusiasts, known for their eclectic hobbies and distrust of societal norms. Since 2002, the PSUBS (Personal Submersibles) collective has gathered in Muskegon, Michigan, attracting numerous men who share a keen interest in underwater innovation. These self-identified “misfits” often embrace a DIY ethos and see submarines as a means of escape.
Among them is Hank Pronk, who built the deepest-diving homemade submarine, the Elementary 3000, capable of reaching depths of 3,000 feet. Pronk learned submarine engineering through online tutorials, embodying the self-reliant spirit prevalent in this subculture.
Shanee Stopnitzky, a rare female member of this group, left her PhD program in marine biology to focus on submarine construction. She humorously recounted her experience hunting for deals on Craigslist, highlighting the unique dynamics within this niche community.
The motivations of enthusiasts like Madsen and his peers sometimes delve into the psychological. Experts noted that individuals drawn to deep-sea exploration might exhibit distinct mental traits, influenced by physiological factors associated with underwater pressures. This impact can skew perceptions, leading to euphoric or panicked responses similar to the effects of substance use.
As the investigation into Wall’s death unfolded, Madsen’s erratic court behavior raised further concerns about his mental state. He described bizarre fantasies and unfeeling detachment during his testimony, implying a disconnection from reality. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, he continued to deny responsibility for Wall’s murder while admitting to dismembering her body, citing a breakdown in his mental health.
Currently serving a life sentence at Herstedvester Prison, Madsen’s fixation on building persists. Following an attempted escape that involved crafting a makeshift weapon, he remains a figure of intrigue, continuously striving to perfect his creations, even behind bars. This complex narrative of obsession and tragedy raises broader questions about the psychological depths that can accompany extreme passions and the often-blurred lines between creativity and violence.