U.S.S. Squalus (SS-192)

Date of Loss: 23 May, 1939

Returned to Service: Yes

Foundered off Portsmouth, NH while conducting a training drive. The flooding was caused by faults in both the main induction valve and the ship's ventilation induction valve. The after torpedo room, both engine rooms, and the crew's quarters flooded immediately. 26 men drowned outright during the accident. Quick action by the crew prevented the other compartments from flooding. Squalus came to rest on the ocean floor in 240' of water.

Squalus was initially located by her sister ship, Sculpin. The two submarines were able to communicate using a telephone marker buoy. However, the cable parted after only a short time. Divers from the rescue ship Falcon, under the direction of the salvage and rescue expert Lt. Cdr. Charles B. "Swede" Momen, employing the new McCann diving bell, were able to rescue all surviving crew members from the disabled submarine.

Twenty six men lost, 33 survivors.

(Barrows; U.S. Navy DANFS 6: 233)

Continue to next submarine, O-9 (SS-70)

Return to Pre-War Expansion

Return to U.S. Peacetime Submarine Losses

U.S.S. Squalus (SS-192) in drydock after being salvaged (145k GIF)
(U.S. Navy Official Photograph)

Squalus was later raised, overhauled, and returned to active service. The decision was made to change her name, due to the loss of life. Recommissioned as the Sailfish, but with the same hull number, SS-192 would be known by her crews as the "Squalfish" and was originally thought to be an "unlucky" boat. However, she went on to serve with great distinction during World War II, even sinking the Aircraft Carrier IJN Chuyo. (Unknown to the crew of the Sailfish, the Chuyo was carrying 21 captured crewmembers of the Sculpin. Only one survived.)

(Note - The Discovery Channel recently aired a very nice documentary on the Squalus accident and rescue. It is filled with both period footage, computer animations, and interviews with still living Squalus crewmembers. It repeats about once every three months are so, and is VERY worth watching.)

This page last updated 15 July, 1998