Object

Wurrfler's Aft Mast (radio mast with aftmast light)

A fixed metal aft mast rising from the conning tower of the German U-boat The Wurrfler, located alongside the periscope and crowned with an aftmast light. In the diving/flooding sequence Indy braces against its base and briefly uses it as a handhold and structural anchor while climbing toward the periscope. The mast assembly serves both as a radio/structural mast and a light fixture in the same location.

2 appearances

Purpose

Illumination for the aftmast on the conning tower; emergency handhold during submersion

Significance

Secures Indy's boarding of the U-boat, turning a routine naval fixture into the lifeline that advances his infiltration amid the captain's restraint and Nazi tension

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Hold Fire — Shliemann's Restraint & Indy's Periscope Lifeline

The aftmast light serves as a last-ditch handhold: Indy grabs its base to arrest a slip and prevent being swept away while the deck floods and the submarine lists during the dive.

Before: Fixed to the conning tower as a standard navigation/lighting fixture.

After: Clutched by Indy briefly; remains affixed and continues to function as part of the turret's hardware.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Tethered to the Periscope

The Wurrfler's aftmast light provides a handhold when Indy slips; he momentarily grabs its base to prevent being swept away, turning a fixed deck fixture into a makeshift lifesaving grip.

Before: Fixed to the conning tower aftmast, functioning as a deck light.

After: Still fixed and intact; briefly used by Indy as a grip point but otherwise unchanged.

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