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O-5 was struck by the merchant steamer Abangarez in Limon Bay, Panama, outside the entrance to the Panama Canal and sank in less than 60 seconds. Three crewmembers were killed outright, while 16 others escaped. Two crewmembers were trapped in the forward torpedo room, which they sealed against the torrent of water flooding the submarine. Local engineers and divers were able to rig cranes and other equipment and lift the O-5 far enough off the bottom that the bow broke the surface, exposing a hatch which led to the compartment were the two mem were trapped, allowing them to be freed.
Three men lost, 18 survivors.
(Grigore 54-58; U.S. Navy DANFS 5: 120)
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This page last updated 6 September, 1997