Top 5 Pros & Cons Regarding an Underwater Site as a Zombie Defense
When it comes to those seeking the very best and impenetrable zombie fortress available, perhaps we have been looking in the wrong direction. Most recently, discussion and debate was launched regarding underground facilities and if such a setup would be the most adequate method of defense. Would underground be the best option or would underwater?
Many scenarios depend highly on the level of outbreak that one is dealing with. Some of the information posted thus far has dealt with a temporary solution in order to gain some ground and formulate a plan, if one is not readily available. Other scenarios are meant for more long term duration, such as this.
The above location, meant as a resort also leaves room for ample and adequate zombie defense. Assuming reasonable access to such a facility, you and your loved ones could escape underwater and try to wait out the undead apocalypse. As with any situations, pros and cons arise and should be discussed before any decision is made.
ADVANTAGES
- Clumsy Zombies – Because of the dead rising back to life and having limited motor skills and abilities, zombies are already clumsy, yet dangerous. Being underwater increases their lack of coordination and ability to strike. Again, Hollywood will have the average person believe otherwise but the scientific data is not there to support most of what Hollywood portrays.
- Slower Than Normal – Similar to the above, zombies are not believed to be fast (stay tuned for a future article to cover the topic of fast vs. slow moving zombies). The already slow moving creatures are further inhibited by the weight of the water, thus decreasing the threat level.
- Historical Reports – To date, the report of zombie attacks in any amount of water are extremely rare. This could be due to the limited nature of underwater defense silos but it could also be due to poor record keeping. However, statistics show that in the past, there are not as many attacks underwater as there are above ground.
- Additional Obstacles – Being underwater also presents additional roadblocks for zombies. With access to ladders and manmade passages sealed by heavy doors, zombies will be forced to follow into the water to attack. This means they have to navigate the sea floor, poor visibility in the water, and even other animals.
- Ability to go Mobile – Any reasonable facility will have an additional boat ready for deployment, in case the facility is compromised. The ability to go mobile from any stationary defense is key due to the unpredictable nature of a zombie outbreak.
DISADVANTAGES
- Use of Firearms – If one of the undead manages its way inside and you are forced to use a firearm to defend yourself, you risk the breech of the protective walls keeping the water out. Taking on water in such a facility is of high concern.
- Oxygen Supply – A steady supply of oxygen is a must. A contingency plan should also ensure that you do not find yourself locked away in an underwater facility running out of oxygen, with no temporary solution.
- Outside Communications – Being underwater can also offer some hurdles for communicating outside. One advantage of holding up in a larger facility is the ability to take to the roof to evaluate the environment. Being underwater, you are unable to see what is happening around you. Assuming electricity is available and media outlets are functioning, you might not be able to know when it is safe to exit. Being underwater also prohibits you from easily sending a signal flare or placing signage outside or above your location indicating you are alive and need assistance.
- Visibility – As mentioned above, you can only see what the opened and glass areas allow you to see. Some type of scoping device or monitor system could be equipped in the facility, however, they are still not the same as being able to look out and completely evaluate your surroundings.
- Facility Access – One of the main disadvantages is that you might not be in a position to simply head toward the underwater location. You might also live in an area too far from any large body of water making such an option impossible.
Friends, consider all of your options. For some of you, this type of defense will be the route you take. For others, you would not have reasonable access to such a facility and will have to create an alternative defense method. No matter what choice you make, remember: Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay alive.
Comments (58)
Sam on 30 Nov 2007 at 2:48 pm #
Biggest problem here-if a zombie does breach the exterior you suddenly have three huge problems: 1) zombies 2)drowning 3)all of the above.
And don’t think zombies wouldn’t get to you. Dead bodies float, remember? And all of us who’ve read the Zombie Survival Guide are familiar with the St. Thomas Zombie of the virgin islands, who washed ashore one day hungry and fully dangerous.
Issues of fresh water and bathing are of concern as well, and maintaining a healthy diet on nothing but fish. And how would you know when the threat was over, presuming mass media fails?
While I think this idea is creative, it’s got too many dangers to be attractive to me. I’d feel like I was in a watery coffin.
Travis Rickett on 30 Nov 2007 at 9:09 pm #
The idea of an underwater base is very clever. i think the only problem i could
see would be that in the structure itself you would have airlocks and whatever else
i would assume. not to mention pressure chambers and what have you.
So if there was an outbreak inside the structure itself i would think that escape would
be pretty tough, especially if you were quite a ways down underwater, because
you wouldnt be able to just surface and escape, what with decompression and the
bends. So in theory its a very good idea as long as there wasnt any kind of
outbreak in the facility itself. Just a thought.
65dos on 02 Dec 2007 at 12:12 pm #
I think you also have to consider zombies of other species. We have seen cases where animals have become infected and become zombies. SO what about zombie fish? or worse, SHARKS! or worse, BLUE WHALES! or worse, GIANT ZOMBIE SQUID!
Nic (Toebo23) on 03 Dec 2007 at 10:39 pm #
GIANT ZOMBIE SQUID! Oh hell ya lol that would be a sweet movie. I have liked both base layouts but I have seen the same problem in both layouts. There are 2 ways in. that’s cool but the problem is they are so close to each other. The underground bunker both doors are in the house. And the H2o version they are on the same platform. If they are able to open the first one theirs to many out there to even be thinking of escape. With the underground bunker have a staircase at the other end of the bunker or a lift. The underwater base. WTF where is the sub dock. If you have the money to build that you damn well better have a sub for it. I see all animals getting infected sooner or later. As for sea life. All it would take is 1 zombie shark and the sea would be lost. first comment by the way. I am new here.
John on 04 Dec 2007 at 1:14 am #
has their been much discussion on whether zombies float or sink? as far as i’m concerned, zombies rarely enter water in the first place, due to retaining basic human instincts about drowning. if they were to learn that they can go in water without drowning, is it not plausible that they could simply walk on the ocean floor and break into the facility through sheer force? supposing they sink, that is. if this is true, wouldn’t a floating fortress be ideal? you would retain mobility, be save from underwater zombies, and still be able to go to land to take on supplies. something large, like an aircraft carrier, would thus be ideal for zombie defense.
Me on 04 Dec 2007 at 2:48 am #
First thing that struck my mind, is zombie dogs.. If dogs can become zombies, then so should fish like shark and whale.. No question that enough big fishes would have tremendous power to destroy any underwater fortification..
teh gunslinger[DK] on 04 Dec 2007 at 4:22 am #
Just a quick comment to poster number 1. Dead bodies float, yes, but an underwater facility in that, underwater. You prolly wouldn’t be able to float to it. You’ll have to swim, and I have no idea i zombies can do that.
Anyways, great place here. Beed looking for a place to discuss my fear of the comming apocalypse for ages. :)
THE WACKER with a vengeance on 04 Dec 2007 at 1:36 pm #
Sorry, but I’m just not interested in bunking out in an underwater “hotel” in Davy Jones Locker. Just snorkeling freaks the hell out of me. Its as if something is lurking underneath the surface just waiting for you. This unknown monster can come in the form of some kind of seal breaking and flooding out the “hotel”. I’d rather take my chances with the smelly corpses upstairs. Besides there is nothing like the fell of solid ground beneath my feet and pistol smoking at my side.
cornadious on 04 Dec 2007 at 9:43 pm #
one thing that crossed my mind about going underwater and zombies. lets say that for some reason you have to go out into the water and there are zombies(either floating or walking). i was thinking if the virus is spread through their saliva(usually a bite). if they had their mouths open and you had your eyes or mouth exposed(or perhaps a scratch), couldn’t you possibly get th virus through the water taking the saliva out of their mouth into yours? other than that i see no real problem with the underwater base that has not already been mentioned.
Nic (Toebo23) on 04 Dec 2007 at 11:05 pm #
I like the underground bunker idea but the 2 ways in and out are way to close to each other. why not some tunnels?
ZAC Admin on 06 Dec 2007 at 6:26 am #
“You prolly wouldn’t be able to float to it. You’ll have to swim, and I have no idea i zombies can do that.”
I personally believe that the zombies, should they not just float, lack the required coordination to swim to the bottom where an underwater facility would be located. That was one of the reasons why the idea intriqued me.
Sam on 06 Dec 2007 at 7:21 am #
Of course they wouldn’t be able to swim underwater to the facility proper, but they could float right up to the above-water entrance/exit and find a way inside.
Also, people seem to think that the pictures here and in the underground bunker post are the actual proposed idea-they’re just concepts people! The pics are pulled from unrelated sites on the web. Sheesh!
WitchCraftz on 06 Dec 2007 at 7:01 pm #
So then I think an oil platform is the best possible zombie survival spot, it is in the water, but above the surface by such a height that it is nearly impossible for any number of zombies on top of each other to reach. It is large, made of steel and should be able to safely host many people. The only way on and off is by boat (retractable ladder) or by helicopter.
Skeleben on 06 Dec 2007 at 11:25 pm #
Has no one thought of zombie sea creatures? What would happen to your underwater defense silo should a zombie whale decide that it doesn’t like you? The sheer size of the animal ensures that should it hurl itself at your base in a torpedo-like manner, it is inevitably going to destroy a major portion of your base.
Sam on 07 Dec 2007 at 4:42 am #
How would you know when the attack was over?
When you started hearing radio traffic?
What if the attack is over and you’re the last humans left, since nobody else had the forethought to escape to a oil platform? At least on land you can see if there are any zombies in your immediate area, on water you have to guess about what’s on shore.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great for defense, provided it’s adequately supplied, I’m just pointing out a potential shortfall. I also think there could be serious trouble getting there. Personally, I’d rather survive on land, if possible, all things considered.
I do agree that it’s probably unmatched for pure survivability, though.
splint.chesthair on 07 Dec 2007 at 2:42 pm #
I don’t like it. The surrounding water presents too many tactical problems.
Nic (Toebo23) on 07 Dec 2007 at 7:12 pm #
How would Mother Nature take the zed heads out break? Years after when the world is dead and there are few Groups of survivors left. The weather would be shit right? People have to reamer it is only a matter of time before all lifeform is turned. That means zed bears zed eagles zed fish. If it breathes it will be turned sooner or later.
Starlady01 on 08 Dec 2007 at 11:32 am #
I would be more concerned about a holocaust vs a zombie attack myself the underground sanctuary could be used for this perhaps with the water acting as a barrier between the fumes and the people. Or perhaps a underground bunker. I would if possible stop at the nearest Super Mart first to pick up supplies.
Cody on 10 Dec 2007 at 3:28 pm #
I think I should tell you all that zombie animals aren’t really a possibility. The virus that creates zombies in the first place is matched to distinct human physiology (or however you spell it) and will only affect humans. Humans have a unique and very developed brain that the virus can easily use. Not just any brain can be used at a whim.
Plus, for the virus to survive, it needs a host with homeostatic capabilities (it is not air born or water born, it is only capable of life inside of a host). Also, it cannot survive outside of its host for more than a few seconds (enough for saliva to fly through the air into your eyes) if the environment does not suit it. And I’m telling you; a highly pressurized, salt-heavy concentration of liquid harmful to micro organisms is not a suitable environment.
Thirdly, decomposition. Parasites and organisms that attempt to break down zombies die. Imagine zombies as cyanide to bugs. They will die once they touch the necrotized flesh. The average breakdown time fore a zombie is about three to five years assuming normal wear and tear.
And of course, the base. Practically no base will have just glass walls. They will be steel bulkheads, maybe a few one foot thick, anchored, Plexiglas portholes. A bullet won’t even penetrate two or three inches into it, so a zombie, even a thousand zombies won’t penetrate it.
Zombies have no survival instinct or feelings or are afraid of being in pain, which makes them so dangerous. They have no apprehensions of going into water.
And lastly, floating zombies. They will float. A few with an unusually weird body composition may sink, but the rest will float. The reason is that human flesh is naturally buoyant. Even bodies of murder victims on the news that have been dead for months will float up to the surface once freed. They will float.
Sorry if I have offended anyone, but I just think you all should be prepared for when the day comes that we will need this information direly.
Nic (Toebo23) on 12 Dec 2007 at 3:24 pm #
Nice….
Sboomarang on 14 Dec 2007 at 12:18 am #
all good points but something to think about is where the hell is the nearest underwater silo you know of? does anyone know how to maintain said silo? or even a base, if your going the selfish route and intend on not rescuing other hummans then you should at least know how long your oxygen is going to last, OR how to produce more on in the base/underwater silo. in order for me to even consider underwater silo as a possibility i have to know how to run one, its not like its all pulleys and levers, thats complex stuff going on down there to even keep it powered.
and another thing. what if power goes out? what do you do then, no doubt at some point if a zombie outbreak large enough for you to consider the underwater life happens, the power WILL go out. and at that point youd be in some serious trouble.
in closing underwater would most definatly protect you from the undead, but your still doing just as much work to survive as you would in lets say, a sports authority, its just different kind of work.
and in a sports authority you dont have to worry about running out of air…
and if the lights go out its not a HUGE deal…
and you have plan B to cover you if your breached…
and youll be able to hunt zombies to pass the time.
Cody on 14 Dec 2007 at 11:57 pm #
Very nice. I wasn’t defending the underwater base though, but thanks for the insight. I, too, think it would be extremely hard just to survive without zombies underwater, let alone with them. It would like being blindfolded and put in a coffin. Then throw that coffin in the water and you have your base.
I am all for an above ground base such as a rural farm or an isolated section of a department store. I just don’t get why people say that huge stores like Wal-Mart and a mall are prime survival areas.
Meh, enough with this post, its probably in the wrong place…
Ryan on 18 Dec 2007 at 11:06 pm #
Would zombies be smart enough to be interested in looking underwater? I mean don’t they smell people, then decide to go after them? If they don’t smell you underwater, it seems like you have a good thing going right there.
Some guy on 20 Dec 2007 at 12:11 am #
zombies are dead but they have body mass and they fill them selvfs up with water(due to open mouthes so there grounded) adn zombie are dumb! they go wher the food goes oecan = fish = food =zombies trying to get the fish and if by some miracal a zombie gets in you galls i porbably made of renforced glass (10X stronger then bullet proofglass that HAS LAYERS)but still you can use a spear for some weird device made for long ranged combat and well if your at the bottem of the ocean what the HEL IS GOING OT GET THAT LOW its brain would explode befor i got to you(noting that zombies need brain to work) so ya and you and grow your own plants little trees flowers that create and steal oxygen from the water(if you find a filter that can do that) and for water ….well you exurt water just purify it may not sound very nice drinking purifiyed urine but still it takes time and skill but if done correctly you can have pure water at the ready fro drinking
Gilbert Wham on 27 Dec 2007 at 2:18 pm #
Two words: Zombie Sharks.
Spiraling on 29 Dec 2007 at 10:04 pm #
Depending on which zombie type you are speaking of, you probably won’t have to deal with Zombie anything other then human, though you might, so it is always a good idea to keep that in mind. Also, to answer a thought put up by someone else earlier, zombies obviously sink. The lack of air in their body would put their density above that of waters, and they do go into water, duh. They go where ever they need to in order to find food. The only residual human thoughts they would have left are “Hum… I’m hungry.” and perhaps “Brrrraaaaiiiinnnnsss.” because of course, all of us are thinking that =P.
Bambam on 01 Jan 2008 at 2:19 pm #
I feel that a floating base carried around by the great ocean currents and the winds would ideal because you can grow the majority of foods with only light and water, provided the disease never gets airborne you would be relatively safe. as for infected sea animals they are still animals with specific weaknesses so you could use irritants in the water or the like, it also depends on what kinds of zombies we’re dealing with wether they are similar to the 28 days/weeks later breed. or if they are closer to night of the living dead.
Xero on 04 Jan 2008 at 12:34 am #
I’m trying to remember a quote, something about best plans failing in once contact is made with the enemy or something.
The way I see it, it depends on whatever is making the zombies, underwater isn’t my thing I don’t think I could last down there for too long. I hate the sea, and would defintally have to be dragged down there.
Also, From reading the comments I must say I wish people would read the comments other people post before posting their own, repetitive comments.
Evan on 05 Jan 2008 at 6:27 am #
I think this concept is viable, and how long would a zombie attack really last? Wouldn’t the bodies, as cody kind of touched on, decompose eventually? If those survivors were able to survive long enough, those who were zombified would decompose. No circulation and all, the brain would eventually turn to stinky, crusty … stuff. I would also think that maybe living in an area that is extremely hot and dry or cold would be nominal. hot and dry would dry out the flesh and tendons of the zombies quickly, and most importantly the brain. Our brain needs fluid to send messages to the nervous system, i think. If that fluid wasnt there or even was frozen… wouldnt that kill a zombie?
Anyways, the “sub”-urban idea i think would work well, depending on certain circumstances. And its all nifty and sci-fi.
Kiel on 10 Jan 2008 at 1:51 am #
Personally, I think that zombies following you underwater is not feasible. They may chase you there, but I highly doubt that they would have the coordination to swim down after you. They would probably just do a lot of twitching and splashing.
That being said however, I would not want to stay in an underwater facility for any period of time. First of all, as it has been said before, deep dark water is scary as hell. Then problems of power outages, lack of communication and oxygen get thrown in and the cons heavily outweigh the pros.
I would agree with the oil rig idea. Provided you have a large party of survivors with a couple boats and a large helicopter. Perhaps an oil rig and an aircraft carrier combo would be the best idea. You could travel to the shores and see what the situation on the inland is but still have the water for defense. On the oil rig especially, zombies will not be able to get up. Even if the ladders leading up to the platform were unable to be brought up, you can have a couple of guards standing watch.
But also like said before, how close is the average person to an oil rig?
If I could get to one and the people controlling it weren’t bad (for lack of a better word) I would stay there. Otherwise I feel staying on the move would be the best way for me to survive.
Pete on 15 Jan 2008 at 6:09 pm #
A zeppelin could work? If combo’d with the oil rig idea it would reduce both the accessibility options and provide a way off using minimal fuel. You could, providing the technology is available, use solar or wind energy to run the electricity generators for the oil rig. the only problem is the availability of the resources for a zeppelin, but given enough time it could be developed, maybe have the helicopters gather necessary resources?
Greyclaw on 25 Jan 2008 at 12:59 pm #
There’s a few good points as to why an underwater base would work and work quite well. The structure itself would be designed like an airtight tank with double armor and water greatly reduces the ability to move with any force (try punching a wall underwater sometime, it doesn’t work so well). Conceivably, enough zombies could damage necessary external equipment to force an evacuation, but that would require them to
A) know live humans are there (difficult with no scent of the living, no visual stimuli, and sound transmitted well through water, but imperceptible outside of water)
B) actively attack the structure as opposed to simply congregating around it (not unheard of, but decidely less common).
In addition, while the average zombie can last 3-5 years through regular wear and tear, the amount of decomposing organisms in air is remarkably low, but extraordinarily high under water. Simply entering the water and traversing the seafloor (or bottom of freshwater body) would expose the zombie to huge numbers of scavenging species which would work right from bacteria to large scavengers. This brings up another issue though; what species would be infected? While there is debate on this point, it generally seems that mammals are largely the only group that becomes infected, though birds too on occassion. Would fish be infected? Or bacteria? Possibly not. If it’s a virus, it would have to be universally infective agent AND have the same effect on every species it came in contact with. The odds of this are incredbily low. Some species may become infected, but it’s more likely due to high exposure rates, creatures like carrion birds or scavenger dogs/cats. These would be the most likely to become infected. If it’s a parasite situation, they can usually only be transmitted through a handful of species, again removing the threat of total infection. Oceanic life would therefore be the most likely to survive a large scale outbreak.
Anyways, I digress. The decomp rates underwater would mean at most weeks or months before the undead would be too degraded to be mobile and a threat. As for floating, that depends on a few factors as well. The freshly dead and decaying would float due to subcutaneous fat and gas from decomposing intestines, however once the gas is vented (more likely in a mobile zombie) and the fat has become dissolved (rapidly during decomposition) the body would promptly sink. Most bodies float for a few days then sink BUT may refloat depending on the decomposition process (ie additional gas buildup). Given the mobile nature of the undead, refloats should be a minimum risk.
To sum up, zombies just don’t play nice with water, making it relatively safe, with a boat likely being the safest means of travelling and surviving… that is until the zombie giant squids show up… then you’re boned.
NegativeN on 04 Mar 2008 at 2:14 am #
With regards to underwater facilities, if the base was deep enough, wouldn’t zombies be crushed by the sheer force of the water pressure at extreme depths?
jacob on 19 Jul 2008 at 8:22 am #
underwater is just not a very good option if they get in some how the watewr will probably be filled with them and will be nearly impossible to get away i think the smart way is to keep on the road either on a multi terrain vehicle or in a convoy they are attracted to where the food is so u would just be dooming yourself
Kasper on 21 Jul 2008 at 12:40 pm #
I dislike the underwater option on account of the problems with air, supplies, and information flow. However, there will be no zombie sharks. Sharks are immune to all diseases, they don’t even get cancer like all other complex life does. Whales are mammals, so perhaps they’d be virus compatible. But would zeds attack a whale, and
if yes, how would a zed get his teeth around any part of the whale? And would the whale
understand humans as enemies to be eaten? Many whales, blue whale included, don’t have teeth, so no bitey, even though they could smash the base. An swimming human-zed couldn’t get the force behind a blow to damage a well-made underwater structure. Ever tried punching, running, anything in water?
Luciano on 23 Jul 2008 at 7:08 am #
Well i hope the zombies cant swim like in ”house of the dead” xD
ico on 18 Sep 2008 at 1:14 am #
It sounds like a pretty good idea but if the facility sits on the bottom of the ocean (reletively close to land) and if you’ve seen Romero’s Land of the Dead, the zombies could walk underwater, accumulate outside the walls/windows and they could potentially break down a whole wall, most likely killing everyone. Another thing if we’re still following Romero’s movies, it doesnt matter how you die, you will still become a zombie, if you’re with a large group of people, someone is bound to die of natural causes at some point so basically, you’re dead either way.
Fullcircle on 15 Oct 2008 at 2:21 pm #
Romero’s movies aren’t gospel; the laws of physics are, however. Dead bodies float- hell, living bodies float. Have you ever tried to walk across the bottom of a swimming pool?
Simply put, we aren’t going to end up with a scene like in Pirates of the Caribbean with a bunch of dead guys strolling across the sea floor to get at us.
And besides, who says the living area is on the sea floor? If you set the place up in a suitably deep area, the bottom of the “bunker” could be several hundred feet above the sea floor.
My only suggestion would be to have multiple “escape hatches” situated towards the bottom of the place, along with SCUBA suita, or at lead an air tank/mask.
I don’t really know anything about the mechanics of SCUBA, thought, so correct me if that isn’t possible.
Josh on 29 Oct 2008 at 9:44 am #
I think any kind of long-term water/coast situated base is a bad idea.
if a zombie infestation occurs you can say good by to forecasts and hello hurricanes from nowhere with no notice.
zombies wouldn’t be the only problem in a zombie infestation. you have to anticipate a complete breakdown in infrastructure and society. this mentality also helps in preparing for a post-apocalyptic future. =D
Josh on 12 Dec 2008 at 3:28 pm #
Well if your underwater,the zombies may sense you and make there way underwater,and could possible infect the fish,now if a big 2 ton zombie shark came,your underwater facility will be pretty much f***ed,if an outbreak occurs i would want the horde as far away as possible from the animals,you can not fend of a zombie animal of any kind.
Sharpshooter on 09 Jan 2009 at 6:32 pm #
well since this concept is pretty far fetched im gunna through another idea out…. what about a blimp or zeppelin? i could work i mean so fuckin what a zombie bird……. easily taken care of mate! unlike underwater…… say a zombie found a giant fuckin squid?! what then? underground would be easier but you could be easily screwing yourselves over… what if like an infected mouse got in or something?
James on 14 Jan 2009 at 10:24 am #
zombie FLOCK of birds, nearly all species of birds fly in large groups
guerrilla_warfare on 13 Mar 2009 at 1:54 pm #
Well the biggest problem would be the fact that if even one person was infected, it could screw the entire colony.
Random Dude on 28 Mar 2009 at 10:27 pm #
the ultimite zobie defence would be a base on the moon. keep living till all the zombies die, than return to earth. For food, you could grow potatos and stuff in a biodome. Problem soved
Adam on 05 Aug 2009 at 2:07 pm #
That’s interesting. I know this is really old, but i feel like posting this comment anyway.
I never considered an underwater base, because in my opinion the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. As well as those mentioned in the article, you would also find it much more difficult to grow most plants, and would probably end up malnourished. Also, If it is underwater, it would be difficult to escape if the complex became over-run.
However, reading this led me to consider the possibility of using large ships, like aircraft carriers. You could keep animals, and create a patch of soil on the deck to grow plants. Obviously, you’d be able to use the animal waste as manure, making the plant patch sustainable. Also, with the proper facilities, you have all the water you can drink. It wouldn’t be difficult to purify the sea water.
Provided you avoid major storms, it would be impossible for zombies to get on board. The decks are high above surface level, and any ladders on the side could be removed. If you were lucky enough to find an aircraft carrier which still had aircraft on, and happened to have someone who can fly, you could use the planes/helicopters to scout out islands and search coastal cities for besieged survivors which you might be able to rescue.
Fuel would be an issue, but it wouldn’t be hard to make your own mast and sails, provided you know what you’re doing. I’m sure there’s a guide on the internet somewhere. This way you can conserve fuel for use solely on refridgeration (useful, eh?) and medical services. The large amount of fuel on board would probably last for several years if used sparingly, and it wouldn’t be too hard to scavenge fuel from abandoned vessels in a harbour.
An additional note i would like to add- if you were to head towards either the north or south, it would eventually be cold enough that you wouldn’t need refridgeration to store perishable food, which could prove useful. Also, i doubt there would be many zombies at the south pole. However, the disadvantages offered by the cold temperature may outwiegh the advantadges.
Adam on 08 Aug 2009 at 12:28 pm #
On further consideration of this topic, i have been led to believe that zombies, contrary to popular belief, cannot travel underwater.
One reason is that saltwater would be impossible for them. Prolonged exposure would drain what little moisture they had in them, and they would dry up and be unable to do anything. It would, effectively, kill the brain.
Secondly, in any water, they would float, not sink.
Despite the lack of air in the lungs, after death decomposition sets in and all sorts of gases are released. It is true that after a while, the body sinks, but obviously zombies decay slower than a normal cadaver.
Thirdly, digestion also produces gases. And since a human stomach really isn’t all that big, zombie must be able to digest. Otherwise they’d be unable to eat, and obviously they can do that.
Fourthly, the pressure, particularly in deep oceans, would crush the zombies. Literally, crush.
Fifthly, as you might now, a corpse left in water for too long becomes extremely bloated. A zombie like that would barely be able to walk, and would only be dangerous if you came right up to it.
Sixthly, any moving body of water will have a current. In rivers, this is accompanied by assorted rocks and pebbles, which would shred a zombie. In oceans, this current would be strong enough to drag the zombie without giving it a fighting chance.
As such, a defense complex underwater in an ocean would be the perfect defence place.
KillerB on 06 Oct 2009 at 12:32 am #
stay on land and shoot them………period. why hide from a slow moving pack of violent retards? drive around and shot them. there are way more bullets than people so you do the math. if you hole up then you will just die rom fear induced starvation…….meaning that you will die……period. kill them and then they will be around no more. hiding only makes the infestation of the undead take longer to live through. everyone with a gun and ammo has to kill as many of the undead as possible……….that is our duty as humans. hide if you will………you will just starve to death.
ThatScoutKid on 04 Dec 2009 at 11:05 pm #
i love how people assume that all zombies will be dumb and slow. if thats not the case, then there will be a few more zombies around. dont imply anything! be ready for anything! if you have a plan make another one. then another. then another! you must not think that they will all be the same or lacking human motor skills or not being able to have basic human thinking skills. its the only way to be ready for anything that life can throw at you. PREPARE. for anything and everything. that being said, dont live in fear. live life to the fullest. or youll go insane and have bad paranoia and it just leads to bad things. good luck people!
hunter on 23 Dec 2009 at 5:07 pm #
ummmmmmm the best shelter would be an ABOVE ground shelter with a super strong garage door, ass loads of o2 tanks, one story, one room, lp (propane) tanks, a generator, an exhaust system so the fumes dont stay in your stronghold, a ford f-550 for supply runs, reinforced walls, gasoline for the truck, lots of automatic weapons, a lot of ammo, a ham radio, food, water, water purifiers, and flushing toilets, right…? just saying….
hunter on 23 Dec 2009 at 5:07 pm #
hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Shawn on 11 Nov 2010 at 8:28 pm #
What if each little pod has a mini engine and was able to drive away
big bear29 on 21 Nov 2010 at 6:42 pm #
One disadvantage that was not listed was the crush depth of the structure . Depending on how it is made you might not be able to place this facility anywhere deeper than a few hundred feet at most . If it is not that far out and it isn’t that deep the zombies could either float to it or walk along the bottom without being crushed by the water pressure . Personally I would have to pass on this idea because I feel that it is really only a short term solution and keeping it supplied and maintained would become harder as time passed and that isn’t even factoring into account the zombies and would be raiders .
Paul on 23 Nov 2010 at 6:47 pm #
Solanum virus makes zombie flesh toxic to microbes and predators, and they know it and avoid it, hence zombies lasting for years.
Paul on 23 Nov 2010 at 6:51 pm #
Head for frost zone, above NY for most of us, let zombies freeze in winter, and go on skull smashing trips during cold days to eliminate the threat. Save your ammo and do it with a nice heavy pipe or crowbar. Stay hidden, rested and always on the move. Listen listen and listen again for moans. Do not become Rambo, shoot only to protect.
Paul on 24 Nov 2010 at 2:08 pm #
M1 Carbine , check
Taurus 1911 , check
Katana sword, check
1000 rds .45 ACP , check
500 rds 30 carbine , check
100 cans pork and beans, check
This guy on 07 Apr 2011 at 7:38 pm #
Not that anyone will ever see this, but I guess you guys all have a few million dollars to spare to have one of these fucking things built, right?
Jbone89 on 23 Jun 2011 at 4:29 am #
Again no one’s probably gonna see this but if zombies moan, then they take air into their lungs.
Also it’s a long shot but say you’re dealing with semi-sentient zombies… ones that understand the processes involved in swimming… more so what if they accustom to their new found abilities ie: immortality to an extent.
What then? All creatures adapt. What’s the intellectual different between a zombie and any oher non-human animal out there. These things ARE still animals.
Rolo on 05 Jun 2012 at 12:37 pm #
I’m going to disagree on the Zombie’s float thing. As a rule living humans float. That’s because fat floats and our lungs are full of air which causes them to float. Go floating, you’ll find your legs don’t float so well, it’s your torso that floats.
Zombies may still have fat, although I would assume this may be particularly quick to decompose for numerous reason. However, they don’t breath and as seems to be an agreed upon premise, they don’t decompose by the usual processes. It’s the decomposition process in a normal human that leads them to float as it produces a lot of gas and fills the abominable cavity with air. One could assume lack of breathing would result in collapse of longs rather quickly with the exception of a little residual air caused by the tension the ribcage creates on the lungs holding them open a bit. However, these empty spaces would quickly fill with fluid/goo because they’re not moving any air and don’t have any reflexes that would keep the lungs clear.
So, very fat, very very fat Zombies would likely float. Fleshly zombified zombies may float for a while but not long. A several week old zombie, most likely would sink not exactly like a rock but sink all the same.
A barge along a major river system, IMH, is your best bet for fortification. Natural water barrier, mobility, easy access to land, and most inland river valleys offer a reasonably calm weather pattern.