HMS Truculent (P315)

HMS Truculent (P315) was a British T-class submarine of the Royal Navy, built during World War II, but commissioned after the war's end. The T-class were designed as long-range submarines for operations in the Pacific, though Truculent served primarily in European waters.

The submarine is best known for its accidental collision with the Swedish oil tanker Divina in the Thames Estuary on the evening of 12 January 1950. Truculent was submerged when the collision occurred, and the impact tore a large hole in its pressure hull. Although some crew members escaped initially, the submarine quickly sank. Of the 79 aboard, 64 perished, making it one of the worst peacetime submarine disasters in Royal Navy history.

A subsequent inquiry determined that the collision was due to a combination of factors, including poor visibility, navigation errors, and possibly a misunderstanding of signals between the two vessels. The incident led to changes in Royal Navy submarine operating procedures and navigation practices. The wreck of Truculent was later salvaged. The disaster remains a poignant reminder of the inherent risks of submarine service.