During the exercise, Stickleback completed a simulated torpedo attack on Silverstein and began a dive to a safe depth. Unexpectedly, the submarine lost all power, leaving her unable to control her descent.
In an emergency maneuver, the crew performed a rapid ballast blow, forcing high-pressure air into the submarine’s tanks to regain buoyancy. This sudden ascent brought Stickleback violently to the surface, placing her directly in Silverstein’s path.
Despite the destroyer escort’s efforts to reverse engines and change course, a collision was unavoidable. Silverstein struck Stickleback on the port side, breaching the hull and allowing water to flood the submarine.
Quickly, all 82 crew members were evacuated onto Silverstein and nearby support ships. Salvage operations attempted to save the vessel, but the flooding continued uncontrollably. Later that day, Stickleback sank to a depth of approximately 10,800 feet (1,800 fathoms), where she remains to this day.
