In early 1958, during heightened Cold War tensions, the U.S. Air Force was conducting a routine training mission near Savannah, Georgia. The training exercise involved a B-47 bomber, which accidentally released a hydrogen bomb—designated as the Tybee Bomb—into the waters off the coast. This bomb was an unarmed Mark 15 thermonuclear bomb, and although it did not detonate, its loss raised serious concerns regarding nuclear safety and security. The situation unfolded on February 5 when the bomber was en route to Florida, and the subsequent mishap prompted immediate action from military authorities. Following the incident, extensive search operations were launched in hopes of locating and retrieving the bomb.

The recovery mission involved submarine and surface vessels, but despite significant efforts, the bomb was never recovered. Investigations were conducted to assess the risks posed by the lost weapon. Reports indicate that the bomb could be found in a relatively shallow section of the ocean, yet various factors such as visibility, strong currents, and lack of precise location information complicated the search. The incident highlighted the potential dangers associated with nuclear arsenals and the challenges of safeguarding such powerful weaponry, even during training exercises.

The unexpected disappearance of the Tybee Bomb not only created a mystery for military officials but also drew attention from the public and media. Concerns over the environmental impact of a nuclear weapon lost at sea were also raised, though ultimately, reports concluded that the bomb posed little risk to the marine environment due to its non-nuclear status. Over the years, speculation and interest about the Tybee Bomb have persisted, with underwater searches and claims of sightings continuing sporadically.