Date of Loss 26 August, 1949
Returned to Service No
While operating off Norway on August 25, 1949, Cochino was caught in a violent polar gale. The buffeting of the storm started an electrical fire in the battery room. This fire caused a battery explosion and generated large amounts of hydrogen gas. The crew of Cochino, with the assistance of crew members from U.S.S. Tusk (SS-426), tried to repair the damage and continue operations. However, a second explosion occurred on August 26. The damage was so severe that, despite the very poor weather conditions, the decision was made to abandon ship.
One crew member lost, 76 survivors. Six crew members from Tusk were killed during the attempt to save Cochino.
(Polmar 121; U.S. Navy DANFS 2: 135)
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