Date of Incident: 21 May 2002
Returned to Service: Yes
While conducting a training exercise approximately 100 miles off the San Diego coast, a torpedo sheild door gasket failed, allowing water to flood the small (860 ton) submarine.
One crewmember, Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) John D. Wise Jr., risked his life by diving into the 57-degree water of a flooded pump room in order to ensure that valves were properly set to allow water to be pumped out of the submarine. He remained in the pump room for more than 90 minutes, ensuring that a submersible pump did not become clogged. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic efforts.
Ultimately, the entire crew evacuated the submarine and were rescued by small boat and USCG helicopter. The Oceanographic Research vessel McGraw and the frigate USS Thach (FFG-43) participated in the rescue effort.
Dolphin was towed back to port. Repairs cost $50 million and required three years of work.
(Official Navy news releases)
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