What happened to submarine?

What Happened to the Submarine?

The disappearance of the submarine USS S-51 (SS-162) on September 25, 1925, was a major maritime mystery that captivated the world. The submarine was on a routine training exercise off the coast of Rhode Island when it vanished, leaving behind only a faint trail of oil and a few scattered debris. The incident was shrouded in mystery, and it took years of investigation and searching to uncover the truth. In this article, we will delve into the story of the USS S-51’s disappearance and what happened to the submarine.

The Initial Investigation

The US Navy launched an immediate investigation into the disappearance of the USS S-51. The investigation was led by Rear Admiral Hugo Osterhaus, who was tasked with finding out what happened to the submarine. The initial investigation focused on the submarine’s last known location, where it was last seen on the surface, and the area where it was expected to have sunk.

Possible Causes of the Disappearance

Several theories were put forward to explain the disappearance of the USS S-51. Some of the possible causes included:

• Explosion: One theory was that the submarine had suffered an explosion, possibly caused by a leak in the diesel engine or a faulty battery. This theory was supported by the fact that the submarine was not heard or seen again after it disappeared.
• Flood: Another theory was that the submarine had suffered a flood, possibly caused by a hatch being left open or a valve being malfunctioning. This theory was supported by the fact that the submarine was not found with any signs of damage or wreckage.
• Human Error: Some experts believed that the disappearance of the submarine was caused by human error, possibly due to a mistake made by the crew or a malfunction in the submarine’s systems.

The Search for the Submarine

The US Navy launched a massive search operation to find the USS S-51. The search effort involved a fleet of ships, including destroyers, patrol boats, and even a naval aircraft carrier. The search area was extensive, covering over 1,000 square miles of ocean.

Discovery of the Submarine

After weeks of searching, the USS S-51 was finally found on October 13, 1925. The submarine was located at a depth of about 200 feet, about 30 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. The submarine was lying on its side, with its conning tower still intact.

Cause of the Disappearance

The investigation into the disappearance of the USS S-51 was ongoing for several years. The final report, released in 1928, concluded that the submarine had suffered a catastrophic failure of its main ballast tank, which caused it to lose buoyancy and sink to the bottom of the ocean. The report also found that the crew had made a series of critical errors, including failing to properly test the submarine’s systems and ignoring warning signs of impending disaster.

Consequences of the Disappearance

The disappearance of the USS S-51 had significant consequences for the US Navy. The incident highlighted the need for improved safety procedures and emergency training for submarine crews. The incident also led to significant changes in the design and construction of submarines, including the installation of more robust ballast tanks and improved emergency systems.

Comparison with Other Submarine Disasters

The disappearance of the USS S-51 was not an isolated incident. There have been many other submarine disasters throughout history, including:

• USS S-28: The USS S-28 was a US Navy submarine that disappeared on January 30, 1929, while on patrol in the Caribbean. The submarine was found several years later, lying on the bottom of the ocean.
• USS S-51: The USS S-51 was a US Navy submarine that disappeared on September 25, 1925, while on a training exercise off the coast of Rhode Island. The submarine was found several weeks later, lying on the bottom of the ocean.
• USS Thresher: The USS Thresher was a US Navy submarine that sank on April 10, 1963, during a test dive off the coast of Massachusetts. The submarine was found several years later, lying on the bottom of the ocean.

Table: Submarine Disasters

Conclusion

The disappearance of the USS S-51 was a major maritime mystery that captivated the world. The incident highlighted the dangers and risks associated with submarine operations and led to significant changes in the design and construction of submarines. The incident also led to improvements in safety procedures and emergency training for submarine crews. The story of the USS S-51 serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in all aspects of naval operations.

Bullets List: Key Points

• The USS S-51 was a US Navy submarine that disappeared on September 25, 1925, while on a training exercise off the coast of Rhode Island.
• The submarine was found several weeks later, lying on the bottom of the ocean.
• The cause of the disappearance was determined to be a catastrophic failure of the main ballast tank.
• The incident highlighted the need for improved safety procedures and emergency training for submarine crews.
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• The incident led to significant changes in the design and construction of submarines.
• The USS S-51 was not an isolated incident, and there have been many other submarine disasters throughout history.