HMS Thetis, Liverpool Bay

Raising of the HMS Thetis, 1939Y2K DisastersThe new-design submarine Thetis sank during trials in Liverpool Bay on 4 June 1939. The stern stayed above water for some time and desperate attempts were made to save the crew, with 21 warships sent to the scene and plans made to cut a hole in the hull to rescue the trapped men. Salvage boats tried to raise her and six men escaped through hatches but three were killed as the cables snapped and the Thetis slipped back under the surface. On 22 July, salvage crews finally raised the Thetis. More than 70 men were lost.