A deep-sea training and engineering dive off the coast of San Diego, California earlier this year yielded never-before-seen images of the WWI Submarine F-1. USS F-1 had been lost on 17 December 1917, with the deaths of 19 crew and was found lying on its starboard side ‘remarkably intact’ at a depth of around 1,300ft.
Historic Discovery: WWI Submarine F-1 Found Off San Diego
The high-definition images were obtained by an interdisciplinary team led by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) with experts from the US Navy, Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Launched in 1911, the 141-foot-long submarine was for a time able to claim the world’s deep-diving record, following an 282ft descent. From 1917, it served with the Pacific Patrol Force based in San Pedro, California.
How the F-1 Submarine Sank in 1917
While on manoeuvres off Point Loma, San Diego the sub collided with its sister-ship USS F-3 and, with a hole in its port side forward of the engine-room, sank within seconds. Only three men could be rescued.
During the expedition the team were also able to survey a World War Two-era US Navy Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo-bomber that was being used as a training aircraft when it crashed close to the F-1 site in 1950.
Inside the Deep-Sea Expedition
Operating between 24 February and 4 March from the research vessel Atlantis, the team carried out seven dives at the wreck-sites, using non-invasive still and video imaging systems mounted on the submersible Alvin – now described as a human-occupied vehicle (HOV) – as well as sonar systems on the AUV Sentry.
A remembrance ceremony was held on Atlantis above the F-1 wreck after the dives, with a bell rung 19 times – once for each crew-member lost. “History and archaeology are all about people and we felt it was important to read their names aloud,” said NHHC underwater archaeologist Brad Krueger.
The undersea vehicles are part of the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) fleet, which is funded by the NSF.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How deep was the WWI submarine F-1 found off San Diego?
The F-1 submarine was located at a depth of around 1,300ft, resting on its starboard side and described as remarkably intact.
What caused the sinking of the USS F-1 in 1917?
The vessel collided with its sister ship, USS F-3, during manoeuvres. A breach in its port side caused it to sink within seconds.
Who led the expedition that captured new images of the F-1?
An interdisciplinary team led by WHOI, with support from the US Navy, NHHC, and NSF, conducted the dives using Alvin and Sentry.
What other wreck was surveyed during the same mission?
The team also examined a World War II-era Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber that crashed near the F-1 site in 1950.
Why is the Avelo System gaining popularity among California divers?
Avelo’s lightweight Hydrotank and Jetpack offer stable, natural buoyancy and simpler diving, making it appealing to both new and experienced divers.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
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