No, there is no evidence that a cookiecutter shark has ever caused a submarine to sink. While these sharks are known to interact with submarines, their impact has been limited to causing damage, not catastrophic failure.
Cookiecutter Shark Interactions with Submarines
The cookiecutter shark, a small but formidable species, is known for its unique feeding method, which involves latching onto larger prey and excising a plug of flesh. This behavior extends to man-made objects, including submarines.
Nature of the Damage
During the 1980s, U.S. Navy submarines encountered instances of damage caused by cookiecutter sharks.
Here's a breakdown of the incidents:
- Frequency: Approximately 30 U.S. Navy submarines sustained damage from cookiecutter shark bites.
- Targeted Components: The primary target for these bites was the rubber-sheathed electric cable leading to the sounding probe.
- Purpose of Component: The sounding probe is a crucial instrument used by submarines to determine depth and ensure safety, particularly when surfacing in busy shipping zones.
- Impact: The bites caused damage to these cables, which could potentially compromise the functionality of the probes, but did not lead to the sinking of any vessel.
Solution and Prevention
To counteract this unusual threat and protect vulnerable submarine components, a practical solution was implemented:
- Protective Coating: A fiberglass coating was applied to the affected areas of the submarines. This durable material provided a robust barrier against the sharks' bites, effectively mitigating further damage.
This preventive measure successfully addressed the issue, highlighting that while marine life can impact human technology, the damage caused by cookiecutter sharks to submarines was manageable and did not lead to their loss.
