Deep-Sea Imaging Reveals Century-Old Lost US Submarine

On December 17, 1917, the USS F-1, a U.S. Navy submarine, tragically sank off the coast of San Diego during a training mission after colliding with another submarine. Nineteen crew members lost their lives, while five survived. More than a century later, researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have captured the first high-definition images of this historic wreckage resting 1,300 feet underwater.

The expedition employed cutting-edge underwater vehicles, including the crewed submersible Alvin and the autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry, both deployed from the WHOI research ship Atlantis. Using multi-beam sonar and high-resolution cameras, the team mapped the seafloor and captured detailed photos and videos of the submarine wreck.

These images were meticulously stitched together to create 3D photogrammetric models revealing that the USS F-1 lies on its starboard side, facing northwest, and remains remarkably intact despite the century underwater. The wreck site was treated with utmost respect as a war grave, with no disturbance to preserve its condition and honor the legacy of the lost crew.

This mission also served as a training and engineering exercise to enhance the skills of Alvin pilots and to test deep-sea imaging technologies. The collaboration involved the U.S. National Science Foundation, University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System, and the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research and Naval History and Heritage Command.

The expedition concluded with a solemn remembrance ceremony aboard the Atlantis, ringing a bell 19 times to honor each crew member who perished. This blend of advanced technology and reverence for history highlights how modern oceanographic tools can illuminate the past while preserving it for future generations.

The Power of Modern Deep-Sea Imaging

The use of multi-beam sonar combined with high-resolution photographic equipment aboard autonomous and crewed underwater vehicles represents a leap forward in marine archaeology and ocean exploration. These technologies enable researchers to create precise 3D models of underwater sites without physically disturbing them, a crucial factor when dealing with sensitive war graves or fragile ecosystems.

Moreover, training pilots on these advanced systems ensures that future missions can be conducted with greater efficiency and safety, expanding the possibilities for underwater research and discovery.

Preserving History with Respect and Technology

The expedition’s approach underscores a vital balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility. By leaving the USS F-1 wreck undisturbed, the team honored the memory of those lost while still gaining invaluable historical and scientific data.

This respectful methodology sets a standard for future underwater explorations, ensuring that the stories beneath the waves are told with care and precision.