Date of Incident: 14 June, 1960
Returned to Service: Yes
While in port at the Submarine Base, Pear Harbor, Hawaii, the Sargo suffered an explosion and fire. The fire started while the Sargo was taking on pure Oxygen (O2) gas through a pressure hose. This hose was connected through a hatch in Sargo's stern room and apparently suffered a rupture or leak of some kind.
The fire caused low order (i.e. partial) detonation of two MK 37 torpedoes in the stern room. The crewman tending the Oxygen line was killed.
The fire, fed by the pressurized oxygen, reportedly shot flames over 100 feet up in the air. The fire was impossible to extinquish, so the decision was made to move the Sargo a short distance from the pier and deliberately submerge her with the hatch still open.
A floating crane had to be brought in in order to lift Sargo off the bottom of the harbor. Damage was reportedly extensive, and repairs took three months in drydock. The cost of repairs was not disclosed.
One man lost.
(Arkin & Handler 24; Gillchrist, Dan; Mahar, Chris; U.S. Navy, USS Scorpion Court of Inquiry Findings)
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