When discussing submarine disasters, many people think of the 2023 Titan submersible tragedy. However, the dangers of working underwater have existed for decades, and the tragic story of the USS Squalus highlights just how perilous submarine operations were in the early 20th century. This article recounts the devastating events of 23 May 1939, when 26 men tragically lost their lives, and explores the heroic rescue of 33 survivors. Designed to navigate the mysterious depths of the ocean, they embody both the heights of human ingenuity and the depths of inherent risk. While modern submarines are equipped with advanced safety features, the early years of submarine technology were fraught with danger. 
Tragedies were not uncommon, and sailors who served aboard these underwater vessels often faced grim odds.
One of the most harrowing submarine disasters occurred on 23 May 1939, when the USS Squalus—a state-of-the-art vessel—suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure during a test dive. This incident resulted in the loss of 26 lives and a grueling 23-hour ordeal for the survivors, who were eventually rescued in a groundbreaking operation. The tragedy of the USS Squalus is a story of both profound loss and incredible resilience, highlighting the dangers faced by submariners and the relentless determination of rescuers.
It is a story that remains a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifices of those who risked their lives in the early days of submarine exploration.
A Dangerous History
Submarine technology, while impressive today, had dangerous beginnings. Early submarines were rudimentary, often prone to mechanical failure and structural flaws. During World War I, the dangers became painfully apparent as many sailors lost their lives in underwater vessels. Submarine disasters were so frequent that sailors dubbed their service “the coffin service,” reflecting the grim realities of life aboard these vessels.
By the 1930s, submarines had undergone significant technological improvements, but safety was still far from guaranteed. Operating these vessels required immense skill, courage, and trust in engineering that was not infallible. For the crew of the USS Squalus, these dangers would become all too real.
Introducing the USS Squalus
In the late 1930s, the USS Squalus was a symbol of cutting-edge engineering and innovation. Commissioned in 1938 as part of the United States Navy’s Submarine Force, the Squalus represented a significant leap forward in submarine technology. Built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, this Sargo-class submarine boasted impressive capabilities designed to enhance naval operations.
The Squalus was engineered to dive to depths of 250 feet, an extraordinary feat for the time. Its range was equally remarkable—it could travel 11,000 miles without refueling, making it an invaluable asset for long-range missions. Another standout feature was its ability to submerge in just 60 seconds, a crucial capability for evading enemy attacks in wartime scenarios.
Measuring 310 feet in length and equipped with advanced torpedo systems, the USS Squalus was not only a technological marvel but also a critical component of the Navy’s evolving submarine fleet. It was designed to demonstrate both agility and resilience under the demanding conditions of underwater combat.
Despite its impressive design and cutting-edge features, the USS Squalus was not immune to the mechanical vulnerabilities of the era. The events of 23 May 1939 would tragically expose these flaws, transforming the submarine from a symbol of promise into a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in underwater exploration.
The Fateful Day: 23 May 1939
On that fateful morning, the USS Squalus prepared for a routine test dive off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. Aboard were 59 men, including Captain Lieutenant Oliver Naquin, two Navy engineers, and a General Motors representative overseeing the trial. The crew was eager to test the submarine’s ability to submerge rapidly, a vital capability for wartime operations.
Initially, everything appeared to be going according to plan. The submarine began its descent smoothly, and the crew worked efficiently to ensure the test’s success. However, disaster struck without warning.
A Catastrophic Failure
As the Squalus descended, Captain Naquin noticed a change in air pressure, signaled by the popping sensation in his ears. At the same time, a chilling message came through the submarine’s communication system: the engine room was flooding. This announcement was baffling, as the control room’s instruments indicated that all hull openings were securely closed.
Within moments, water began rushing into the submarine. Naquin ordered an emergency maneuver to blow the ballast tanks—a process designed to force water out and bring the submarine to the surface. But instead of ascending, the vessel tilted downward at a dangerous 45-degree angle and continued to sink.
The Toll of Tragedy
In a desperate bid to save the submarine, the crew sealed the watertight doors to prevent flooding from spreading to other compartments. This decision, though necessary, sealed the fate of the 26 men trapped in the rear sections of the submarine.
Nine men in the engine room were the first to perish as water surged into their compartment. Meanwhile, 17 others sought refuge in the torpedo room at the submarine’s tail. Despite their efforts to stay alive, they succumbed to the rising water.
For those in the forward compartments, the danger was no less severe. Water flooding into the battery compartments created the imminent risk of an explosion, as seawater and battery acid are a volatile combination.
A Hero’s Sacrifice
Amid the chaos, engineer Lawrence Gainer displayed extraordinary courage. He managed to shut off the electricity, averting a catastrophic explosion. This heroic act saved the remaining crew but came at a personal cost—Gainer lost partial vision due to the exposure.
Despite this small victory, the surviving crew faced a grim reality. The submarine had settled on the ocean floor at a depth of 240 feet. With their air supply dwindling and the risk of implosion ever-present, the men endured 23 hours of sheer terror as they awaited rescue.
The Rescue Mission
News of the disaster quickly reached the surface, and a large-scale rescue operation was launched. Leading the mission was Charles Momsen, a visionary in submarine rescue techniques. Momsen had developed a revolutionary device known as the diving bell, which became the centerpiece of the operation.
The diving bell was a pressurized chamber designed to attach to a submarine’s escape hatch. This innovative technology allowed trapped sailors to be safely transported to the surface. Despite being untested in a real-life scenario, the diving bell was now the only hope for the crew of the Squalus.
A Race Against Time
Time was of the essence. With each passing hour, the oxygen supply inside the Squalus dwindled, and the risk of structural failure increased. The rescue team worked tirelessly, battling strong underwater currents and unpredictable weather conditions.
Finally, the diving bell reached the submarine. One by one, the survivors were brought to the surface, enduring a nerve-wracking ascent through the dark, icy waters. Against all odds, 33 men were rescued—a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
The Aftermath
The USS Squalus disaster was ultimately attributed to a mechanical malfunction. A faulty valve allowed seawater to flood the engine room, leading to the tragic loss of 26 lives.
Despite the tragedy, the rescue operation was hailed as a monumental success. It marked the first successful use of the diving bell in a submarine rescue, paving the way for future advancements in underwater survival techniques.
Lessons Learned and Legacy
The Squalus disaster had a profound impact on submarine safety protocols and design. Lessons from the incident led to improved emergency systems, better construction methods, and the development of more effective rescue equipment.
The survivors of the USS Squalus, though deeply scarred by the experience, went on to serve with distinction. Four of them later lost their lives in World War II, a reminder of the enduring courage and sacrifice of the men who served beneath the waves.
Tragedy Intertwined With Remarkable Triumph
The story of the USS Squalus is one of profound tragedy intertwined with remarkable triumph. It serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by early submariners, whose courage paved the way for the technological advancements we see in modern naval operations. The loss of 26 lives is a solemn chapter in this tale, underscoring the deadly risks inherent in exploring the depths of the ocean. These men, trapped in the unforgiving confines of a sinking submarine, represent the ultimate sacrifice made in the name of innovation and duty.
Yet, amid the sorrow, there is an undeniable sense of hope and progress. The successful rescue of 33 survivors demonstrated the power of human ingenuity, determination, and teamwork. The pioneering use of the diving bell marked a turning point in submarine rescue operations, proving that even in the darkest moments, lives could be saved through innovation.
The legacy of the USS Squalus extends beyond the confines of its ill-fated voyage. It influenced future submarine designs, enhanced safety protocols, and inspired generations of naval engineers and rescuers. Today, it stands as a testament to human resilience—a story that honors both the lives lost and the lives saved, reminding us of the enduring spirit of those who venture into the unknown.
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