Wreckhunter.net

Hunting New England Shipwrecks

USS Squalus

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 squalus1938-pny.JPG (42598 bytes)

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Squalus under construction
at Portsmouth in 1938
(Portsmouth Navy Yard)

Rescue bell on deck
(Smithsonian magazine)

squalus1-nyt.JPG (63925 bytes)

squalus-nyt2.JPG (65601 bytes)

New York Times headline
May 24, 1939
(Author's collection)

Next day's headline
33 rescued by bell
(Author's collection)

squalus3-usn.gif (15090 bytes)

squalus-raised.JPG (54309 bytes)

Squalus illustration showing
flooded compartments
(US Navy)

Squalus in Portsmouth
drydock after being raised
(US Navy photo)

The table below provides historical and statistical data on the vessel. Some of the information may be incomplete. If you have additions or corrections, please e-mail us at the address listed below.

Shipwreck Data
Vessel Name USS Squalus (SS-192)
Other Names  
Vessel Type Submarine
Owner United States Navy
Length / Beam / Draft (feet) 299' /  /
Tonnage  
Hull Construction Steel
Propulsion Diesel / Electric / Propellers
Cargo  
Built 1938 at Portsmouth, NH
Date of Loss May 23, 1939
Reason for Loss Sunk during sea trials
Fatalities 26 (33 crewmen rescued)
Location 12 miles off Rye Beach, NH
Coordinates (Lat/Lon) 42-23 N / 70-37 W
Coordinates (Loran C)  
Water Depth (feet) 240'
Typical Visibility (feet)  
Wreck Condition  
Diving Considerations  
Other Information Squalus was raised, refitted and recommissioned as USS Sailfish.
Attention Divers
The information on this page was obtained from a variety of sources. Although we have attempted to make it as accurate as possible, it may contain errors.  For your personal safety, use extreme caution when diving on this wreck.

For more information on this wreck's location and history, and water and diving conditions in the area, contact local dive shop personnel, dive charter boat operators and local fishermen. Also check out the other shipwreck Websites listed on our Favorite Links page.

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