USS Thresher

The USS Thresher (SSN-593) was a nuclear-powered submarine that tragically sank on April 10, 1963, during a deep-diving test about 220 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. This disaster resulted in the loss of all 129 crew members and civilians on board, marking the deadliest submarine disaster in U.S. history. The Thresher's sinking highlighted critical flaws in submarine design and emergency response procedures, leading to the implementation of the SUBSAFE program, which significantly improved the safety and reliability of subsequent U.S. Navy submarines. The exact cause of the sinking remains undetermined, but it is believed to involve a combination of mechanical failure and human error under the extreme pressures of deep-sea conditions.

For images, sources, and a list of those who perished on USS Thresher, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/07/22/the-loss-of-uss-thresher/.

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Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano.

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