Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have captured unprecedented high-resolution images of USS F-1, a US Navy submarine that sank during World War I.
Photogrammetric reconstruction of the submarine USS F-1 showing the conning tower and collision damage that caused the sub to sink.
On 17 December 1917, USS F-1 collided with its sister ship, 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 1,300ft (~396m) 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 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.
