The Thresher Inquiry Report

The Thresher Inquiry Report investigated the sinking of the USS Thresher, a U.S. nuclear submarine, in 1963. The report identified that a combination of design flaws, inadequate safety protocols, and human errors led to the accident. These issues caused a loss of coolant and subsequent flooding, which resulted in the submarine’s catastrophic failure. The findings prompted widespread improvements in submarine safety standards, engineering practices, and emergency procedures, significantly advancing naval safety culture. The report underscores the importance of rigorous safety measures and thorough testing in complex engineering systems to prevent similar tragedies.