USS Squalus Sinks During Test Dive
May 23rd, 1939
May 23rd, 1939

How Long Ago?
85 years, 9 months, 20 days ago
Location
New Hampshire, USA
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
People
- Captain Charles D. Adams
- Rear Admiral Charles M. Cooke Jr.
- Lieutenant Commander E.E. Johnson
Links & References
Tags
USS Squalus Sinks During Test Dive
The USS Squalus, a U.S. Navy submarine, sank off the coast of New Hampshire during a test dive due to a mechanical failure. This catastrophic event resulted in the tragic loss of 24 sailors and two civilian technicians aboard. However, the next day, a heroic rescue operation successfully saved 32 sailors and one civilian naval architect from the sunken vessel. The incident raised significant concerns regarding submarine safety protocols.
USS Squalus sank during a routine test dive.
24 sailors and 2 civilians perished in the incident.
Rescue operation saved 33 individuals the next day.
Improved safety measures followed the submarine's sinking.
What Happened?
The USS Squalus (SS-192), a Sargo-class submarine of the United States Navy, was conducting a test dive off the coast of New Hampshire on 23 May 1939. During this maneuver, a valve malfunction led to water flooding the vessel, causing it to sink at a depth of approximately 240 feet. In total, 24 sailors and two civilian technicians were killed due to the mishap. The remaining crew members, 32 sailors and one civilian naval architect, were able to escape into the forward torpedo compartment and awaited rescue while trapped in the submerged submarine.
Rescue efforts commenced immediately. The U.S. Navy utilized the McCann Rescue Chamber, an innovative rescue device designed to retrieve submariners stuck in sunken vessels. After complex rescue operations, the trapped sailors were successfully brought to the surface the next day, amidst a highly publicized and intense operation. The rescue mission was noteworthy for its technical sophistication and the challenges faced in coordinating rescues at such depths.
In the aftermath of the sinking, investigations were conducted to determine the precise cause of the incident. The USS Squalus was later salvaged and underwent repairs before being recommissioned as USS Sailfish (SS-192). The event significantly influenced submarine safety measures and led to an increased focus on mechanical reliability and crew training in the U.S. Navy.
Why Does it Matter?
The sinking of the USS Squalus marked a pivotal moment in naval history, highlighting the inherent risks of submarine operations. It led to improvements in submarine design and training protocols. The incident underscored the need for advanced rescue technologies, paving the way for more robust safety measures in military submarines. These changes would have lasting effects, enhancing the survivability of submariners in future conflicts.
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