Italian submarine Squalo (1930)

The Squalo was a Squalo-class submarine built for the Royal Italian Navy (Regia Marina) during the 1920s. Laid down in 1928 and launched in 1930, it was one of four submarines in its class.

Characteristics:

The Squalo-class submarines were designed as medium-sized submarines intended for coastal defense and operations in the Mediterranean Sea. They displaced approximately 865 tons surfaced and 1,057 tons submerged. They were armed with torpedo tubes (typically six, with four bow and two stern) and a deck gun for surface engagements. Propulsion consisted of diesel engines for surface running and electric motors for submerged operation.

Service History:

The Squalo served in the Mediterranean Sea throughout the 1930s and early years of World War II. Specific details of its operational history, including patrols and engagements, are variably documented and may be incomplete.

Fate:

The Squalo was lost on September 26, 1941, off the coast of Albania. It is believed to have been sunk by the British submarine HMS Perseus while on patrol in the Adriatic Sea. There were no survivors.

Class:

The Squalo was the lead vessel of the Squalo-class, which also included Delfino, Narvalo, and Tricheco. These submarines formed a significant part of the Regia Marina's submarine fleet during the interwar period and the early years of World War II.