THIS WEEK IN 1986: Submarine escapee checks out new tricks

A survivor of Britain's worst submarine disaster paid a nostalgic return visit to HMS Dolphin, Gosport, to see some of the latest escape techniques.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2017, 06:00 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:37 BST
Captain Harry Oram, RN (Retd), pictured, was one of only four men to escape from the ill-fated submarine HMS Thetis when she sank in Liverpool Bay in June, 1939, with the loss of 99 men (6646-1)Captain Harry Oram, RN (Retd), pictured, was one of only four men to escape from the ill-fated submarine HMS Thetis when she sank in Liverpool Bay in June, 1939, with the loss of 99 men (6646-1)
Captain Harry Oram, RN (Retd), pictured, was one of only four men to escape from the ill-fated submarine HMS Thetis when she sank in Liverpool Bay in June, 1939, with the loss of 99 men (6646-1)

Captain Harry Oram, pictured, was one of only four men to escape from the ill-fated submarine HMS Thetis when she sank in Liverpool Bay in June, 1939, with the loss of 99 men.

The £350,000 vessel was beginning her first trial dive when water poured in through a torpedo tube which had been left open.

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Thetis sank in 160 feet of water, but the ship’s company was able to lift the stern of the 270ft vessel clear of the waves by jettisoning 10 tons of fresh water and 50 tons of fuel oil.

Mr Oram managed to exit through an escape chamber.

Related topics:BritainGosport