The Escape Trunk in this compartment was equipped with three hatches. The first one, in the overhead, was used to enter. The second, at the top, opened to the foredeck, and was fitted to accept a McCann Submarine Rescue Bell. The third hatch was located in the side, and was used during emergency escapes.
The escape trunk could be flooded with water and emptied multiple times. If the submarine was unable to surface, crew members could don Momsen Lungs (escape gear) and exit in small groups through this chamber. The side hatch was fitted with a closing arm, operated by a lever in the Forward Torpedo Room. The closing lever allowed crewmen still in the submarine to close the outer hatch if it was left open by the previous escape party. Divers could also use the escape trunk to exit and enter.
Every submariner was trained in escape techniques, but there were limitations on the depth at which it could be accomplished. Following a successful escape, a submariner was still faced with limited hope of rescue.