Milan is well known for its network of underground canals, some of which date back to ancient Roman times. Many of Milan’s waterways were covered over after WWII, becoming important roads in the city’s modern infrastructure. Some of the largest canals connect via river networks directly to the sea, and were important trading routes up until the 17th century.

Over the decades since their closure, these ancient waterways have caused few problems for the Milanesi. In fact for the most part they have lain quietly forgotten beneath the chaotic traffic and hurrying feet of bustling workers and shopper … until this Tuesday that is, when a Russian submarine, its navigational systems badly damaged, found itself way off course when it erupted through the pavement of the city centre! Check out the video interview below in which the ship’s captain tries to explain what happened.

TRUE STORY

Sorpresa martedì mattina a Milano. I passanti in via Mercanti, a due passi dal Duomo, si sono trovati di fronte a un gigantesco sottomarino in mezzo alla strada. E un gran trambusto di vigili del fuoco, ambulanze e marinai. «Stavamo navigando per i canali sotterranei della città e all’improvviso abbiamo perso la rotta», si è giustificato il comandante sotto gli occhi di una folla incredula. A stupire i passanti anche la presenza di un’automobile, finita sul mezzo apparentemente in seguito all’incidente.

A surprise on Tuesday morning in Milan. The passers by in Via Mercanti, just a couple of steps from the Cathedral, found themselves in front of a gigantic submarine right in the middle of the road, surrounded by a great commotion of firemen, ambulances, and sailors. “We were navigating the city’s underground canals when all of a sudden we lost our way”, explained the commander before an incredulous crowd. The passers by were also amazed by a car lodged on the submarine apparently due to the accident.

In realtà era tutta una messa in scena per un’azione di ambient marketing realizzata per «Protectyourlife», un nuovo progetto assicurativo di Europ Assistance Italia. Per puntare sull’effetto sorpresa i lavori sono andati avanti tutta la notte. Le immagini sono state riprese e postate su YouTube.

In reality, it was all staged as a publicity stunt for “Protectyourlife”, a new insurance project by Europ Assitance Italia. To maximise the surprise effect the work was carried out during the night. Films were made and posted on YouTube.