USS Swordfish

USS Swordfish

In September 1978, a paint scraper worth 15 cents was dropped into the torpedo launcher of the US nuclear submarine USS Swordfish, jamming the loading piston in its cylinder. When divers failed to free the piston, the sub had to be drydocked and repaired at a staggering cost of $171,000.

Previous Fact Next Fact
Categories: DisasterTransport

Latest FactRepublic Video

15 Most Controversial & Costly Blunders in History

Sponsored Links