On 17 December 1917, the USS F-1 collided with its sister ship, the USS F-3, off the coast of San Diego during a training exercise in dense fog. The impact caused the F-1 to sink within ten seconds, resulting in the loss of 19 crew members. A mere five sailors survived the incident. The submarine now rests approximately 1,300 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean.

3D model

Between late February and early March 2025, WHOI researchers used advanced deep-sea exploration tools to survey the wreck. The team conducted detailed surveys of the site by deploying the human-occupied vehicle Alvin and the autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry. These efforts produced high-definition images and a comprehensive photogrammetric 3D model of the submarine, shedding new light on its condition and the circumstances surrounding its sinking.

Honouring the Fallen

In recognition of the USS F-1 as a war grave, the research team held a solemn remembrance ceremony on board the research vessel Atlantis. A bell was rung 19 times, once for each sailor who perished, and their names were read aloud in honour of their service and sacrifice.