Rosa Pedraza
Jun 05, 2024 - 11:20

How to Sink $3 Billion Submarine: Leave Hatch Open

Summary: Military maritime history is rife with embarrassing mishaps, from collisions to design flaws, with the INS Arihant's near-sinking in 2017 standing out.

When it comes to venturing out to sea, the risks are always high, especially for those in military uniform where the dangers are even greater. It takes a special kind of person to brave the open waters.

Throughout history, countless sailors have met their demise due to the perils of the sea, often as a result of foolish mistakes. From collisions to poor planning, naval disasters have been all too common. One notable incident involved the USS Enterprise colliding with Bishop Rock in 1985, causing significant damage to the hull of the ship.

In other cases, like the sinking of the Vasa in the 17th century, design flaws proved to be fatal. The Swedish warship, touted as the most advanced of its time, capsized within minutes of setting sail due to heavy cannons causing an imbalance.

Human error has also played a role in naval disasters, such as the German U-boat incident during WWII. A new high-pressure toilet caused the submarine to nearly sink after sea water flooded the batteries, releasing chlorine gas and forcing the crew to scuttle the vessel.

One of the most embarrassing mishaps in recent military maritime history occurred in 2017 with India's INS Arihant. The nuclear-powered submarine was rendered inoperative for nearly a year after a hatch was left open, allowing seawater to flood the vessel.

Despite the setbacks, INS Arihant has since had a successful service history. The submarine, with its advanced weaponry and capabilities, overcame the initial challenges it faced during development and construction. While the mishap was a significant setback, it fortunately did not result in any loss of life.

In conclusion, the dangers of the sea are ever-present, especially for those in military service. Naval disasters, whether due to human error, design flaws, or poor planning, serve as reminders of the risks involved in maritime operations. However, with resilience and perseverance, even the most embarrassing mishaps can be overcome.