Century-Old Submarine Wreck Discovered Off San Diego Coast

Exploring the ocean’s depths often brings forgotten history back to life. Off the coast of San Diego, researchers have now captured the first underwater images of a U.S. submarine that sank more than a century ago.

The wreck tells a tragic story that has rested undisturbed at the bottom of the sea since 1917.

Out of Reach for a Century

On December 17, 1917, two American submarines collided during a training exercise only a few kilometers from San Diego, writes Historienet.

The crash caused severe damage to USS F-1, which sank quickly. Nineteen crew members lost their lives. Only three survived.

For over one hundred years, the submarine remained out of reach, lying deep beneath the surface.

400 Meters Underwater

Now, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have succeeded in documenting the wreck for the first time.

The submarine rests 400 meters underwater. That is far too deep for human divers. Instead, researchers used remotely operated vehicles launched from the research vessel Atlantis.

These underwater craft were able to approach the wreck, take images, and scan the site with sonar equipment.

Still in Good Condition

The images reveal that USS F-1 is still in remarkable condition despite lying on the seafloor for more than a century.

Using the data, researchers created a detailed reconstruction of the submarine, showing its shape and structure in striking clarity.

Memorial Ceremony

The discovery was not only a technical achievement but also a moment to honor those who died. A memorial ceremony was held aboard Atlantis.

The crew rang a bell 19 times, once for each sailor who perished. Names of the fallen were read aloud.

As marine archaeologist Brad Krueger from the Naval History and Heritage Command explained, history and archaeology are ultimately about people. The ceremony was meant to recognize the human cost of the tragedy.

A War Grave

The wreck site is now considered a war grave. For that reason, there are no plans to raise the submarine.

Experts believe it is best preserved where it lies, undisturbed on the seabed.

The wreck of USS F-1 serves as both a historical artifact and a resting place, reminding us of the dangers faced by submariners in the early years of naval warfare.

This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation