Lost WWI-era submarine found “remarkably intact” off San Diego, revealing tragic 1917 collision
By isabelle // 2025-05-27
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  • Researchers and the U.S. Navy discovered two historic wrecks off San Diego: a WWI-era submarine lost in a 1917 collision and a Cold War torpedo bomber from 1950.
  • The USS F-1 submarine, found "remarkably intact" at 1,300 feet, sank after a fatal training accident, killing 19 sailors.
  • Nearby, a Grumman TBF Avenger bomber wreck was confirmed to have a surviving crew, with evidence suggesting a controlled crash landing.
  • Advanced underwater tech, including WHOI’s autonomous submersible, captured never-before-seen details of both wrecks, honoring the sailors and airmen who served.
  • The discoveries highlight the Navy’s commitment to preserving its history, with memorial ceremonies ensuring the sacrifices of lost servicemen are never forgotten.
In a stunning deep-sea discovery, researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the U.S. Navy have located two long-lost military wrecks resting off the coast of San Diego: a World War I-era submarine that sank in a tragic 1917 collision and a Cold War-era torpedo bomber that crashed decades later. The findings, captured using cutting-edge submersible technology, offer a poignant glimpse into America’s naval history while honoring the sacrifices of servicemen who perished in the line of duty. The USS F-1 submarine, lost for over a century, was found "remarkably intact" at a depth of 1,300 feet, its hull still bearing the scars of a fatal training accident. Nearby, the wreck of a Grumman TBF Avenger bomber, which crashed during a 1950 training flight, was also surveyed, confirming its crew survived the impact. The discoveries, made during a February 2025 expedition, underscore the Navy’s commitment to preserving its heritage and the risks faced by those who serve beneath the waves.

A collision in the fog

The USS F-1’s tragic fate was sealed on December 17, 1917, during a routine engineering test near San Diego. As historian Bradley Krueger of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) explained, the submarine was traveling with two sister vessels, USS F-2 and USS F-3, when disaster struck. "All three vessels entered a fog bank," Krueger said. "USS F-3 collided with USS F-1, and following the collision, USS F-3 remained on scene to help rescue survivors from the water." The F-1 sank within seconds, its port side torn open by the impact. Nineteen of its 24 crew members drowned, while three were pulled from the water by the F-3. For decades, the submarine’s exact location remained a mystery until WHOI’s advanced autonomous underwater vehicle, Sentry, pinpointed the wreck during its first survey pass. Bruce Strickrott, WHOI’s Alvin submersible group manager, described the moment as both thrilling and solemn. "Once we identified the wreck and determined it was safe to dive, we were able to capture never-before-seen perspectives of the sub," he said. The submarine, now a protected war grave, lies on its starboard side, its conning tower still visible still visible despite a century underwater. Researchers meticulously documented the site without disturbing it, using photogrammetry to create 3D models that reveal the vessel’s condition and the damage that sealed its fate.

A second wreck: The Avenger’s story

While surveying the F-1, the team also revisited the wreck of a U.S. Navy Avenger torpedo bomber that had crashed in the same area in 1950. Unlike the submarine, this aircraft’s crew survived—a fact confirmed by the recent dives. Strickrott noted the bomber had been used for WHOI training dives for years, but its official identification was only added to Navy records after this mission. The Avenger’s wreckage, scattered across the seafloor, tells a quieter story. Its bent propeller and damaged tail section suggest a controlled crash landing, a testament to the pilot’s skill under duress. Strickrott recalled his curiosity about the number "13" stenciled on the engine—a nod to its training squadron. "I often wonder what the pilot and squadron personnel thought," he mused. The team honored the F-1’s lost crew with a memorial ceremony aboard the research vessel Atlantis, ringing a bell 19 times—once for each sailor. "History and archaeology are all about people," Krueger reflected. "The Navy has a solemn responsibility to ensure the legacies of its lost sailors are remembered." The discoveries highlight the Navy’s ongoing efforts to locate and document its lost vessels, ensuring their stories and the lessons they carry are not forgotten. The F-1’s wreck, now protected by U.S. law, serves as a stark reminder of the perils of early submarine warfare, while the Avenger’s survival offers a rare note of hope. For the families of the F-1’s crew and the historians who keep their memory alive, these haunting images are more than data; they are a bridge to the past, ensuring that courage and sacrifice are never relegated to the depths of obscurity. Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com DailyMail.co.uk FoxNews.com
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