After 107 Years, WWI Submarine USS F-1 Finally Seen Beneath the Sea

It has been more than 100 years since the USS F-1 submarine sank during a typical maneuver. This is the first time that the wreck has been photographed and filmed.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the U.S. Navy's Naval History and Heritage Command traveled together to the wreck site off the coast of San Diego in early 2025. The team used radar, drones, and a submersible on deep-sea dives on the research ship Atlantis to get high-resolution pictures of the wreckage about 400 meters below the surface.

The USS F-1 sank on December 17, 1917, when it crashed into the USS F-3 during a training drill at night in the fog. Two holes were found in the F-1's engine room and port side. The sub sank almost right away. Nineteen of the ship's 24 crew members died.

The F-1 was part of the Pacific Torpedo Flotilla. It was first built 1909 as the USS Carp and changed its name before entering service in 1912. With only 143 feet, it was the world's deepest dive mark. Its short career showed the early problems with submarine combat, like small spaces, short dive times, and bad communication.

Sonar was the first tool used to find the submarine in 1975, but scientists had never been there until now. The expedition looked at a Grumman TBM Avenger from World War II during its three-dive trip. "Being at sea has always been dangerous, especially when submarines were first built," said Rear Adm. Sam J. Cox, now retired. "Even though they knew the risks, these men volunteered for duty."

The new pictures give us a glimpse into the fragile past of early submarine service, which has never been seen before. They are also a somber tribute to those who died below the waves.

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