The S-51 was operating on the surface, and had her running lights on. Her white masthead was first observed by the lookout on the City of Rome some 22 minutes before the collision, at which time it was reported as a very faint white light, broad on the starboard bow of the steamship. The light was kept under continual observation by the City of Rome for approximately 20 minutes, without any other lights being seen. No action was taken during this time, even though there was some doubt as to the situation that was developing. The Captain of the City of Rome finally concluded that he must be overtaking a small tug or fishing vessel. He altered course to the left, in order to give this unknown craft a wider berth as he passed.
At the same time, the bridge crew of the S-51 would have been observing both the masthead lights and the green sidelight of the City of Rome growing ever brighter and closer. The S-51 held her course and speed, as she was required to due under the set of International Rules of the Road that were in force in 1925.
Moments after ordering the course changed to the left, the red sidelight of the submarine became visible to the City of Rome. Only then did the crew of the City of Rome realize that the S-51 was crossing in front of them from right to left, as she was allowed to do under the Rules. The City of Rome immediately ordered her rudder shifted from left to right, in an attempt to pass astern of the S-51, as was required under the Rules. She then ordered her engines reversed. However, it was too late to prevent the collision.
The S-51 sank in seconds. Only three men, all of whom had been asleep at the time of the collision, survived. Desparate attempts were made to dive on the sunken submarine, in order to rescue anyone trapped inside, all to no avail. Thirty-three men, many of whom were Naval Reservists, perished.
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