Only once in history has one submarine deliberately sunk another submerged submarine

Only Once in History has One Submarine Deliberately Sunk Another Submerged Submarine

At no other point in history has one submarine intentionally sunk another submarine while both vessels were submerged. This unique event occurred during World War II, specifically during the Action of 9 February 1945. The incident involved the German submarine U-1206 and the British submarine HMS Venturer, marking a remarkable and exceptional occurrence in submarine warfare.

The Action of 9 February 1945

The Action of 9 February 1945 was initiated when the German submarine U-1206 suffered a critical event due to a mechanical failure while on an operational patrol in the North Sea. U-1206 was a Type VIIC submarine, commissioned into the Kriegsmarine in March 1944.

During this mission, U-1206 encountered a problem with its newly developed high-pressure toilet system. The submarine’s captain, Oberleutnant zur See Karl-Adolf Schlitt, was unfamiliar with the complex mechanics of the toilet and accidentally damaged a vital component. This resulted in seawater infiltrating the submarine and placing it in a perilous position.

The Desperate Situation

The influx of seawater into U-1206 quickly became a serious concern for Schlitt and his crew. The damaged toilet system caused the submarine to flood uncontrollably, jeopardizing its buoyancy and overall stability. Traditional methods of fixing the leak failed, leaving the crew with limited options.

In a desperate effort to regain control of the situation, Schlitt decided to surface the submarine. However, surfacing would expose U-1206 to the threat of enemy vessels and aircraft. Schlitt understood the potential consequences but feared that if he did not act swiftly, his submarine would sink uncontrollably, endangering the lives of everyone on board.

The Encounter with HMS Venturer

As U-1206 surfaced, it inadvertently caught the attention of the British submarine HMS Venturer, commanded by Lieutenant James S. “Jimmy” Launders. Venturer had been lurking in the vicinity, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

When Launders spotted the surfaced U-1206, he immediately recognized the chance to make history. With incredible skill and audacity, Launders maneuvered HMS Venturer to a firing position and launched a salvo of torpedoes towards the German submarine.

The Fatal Blow

To Schlitt’s horror, one of Venturer’s torpedoes hit U-1206, resulting in a direct hit to the pressure hull. The explosion caused severe damage, rendering U-1206 incapable of maintaining a stable position. Realizing that the submarine was doomed, Schlitt reluctantly ordered the crew to abandon ship.

The sinking of U-1206, as a result of the deliberate attack by HMS Venturer, stands as the only recorded incident in history where one submarine intentionally sank another while both vessels were submerged. This anomaly within submarine warfare showcases the extraordinary circumstances that can arise during times of conflict.

Implications and Legacy

The loss of U-1206 served as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by submariners and highlighted the importance of thorough training and understanding of complex machinery. The incident also underscored the unpredictable nature of warfare, where even the smallest mechanical failure can lead to unthinkable consequences.

The Action of 9 February 1945 remains a unique and captivating chapter in naval history. It serves as a reminder of the bravery and resourcefulness displayed by submariners on both sides of the conflict and the extraordinary events that can unfold during war.