A Cat-Sized Shark Wreaked Havoc on the US Navy's Nuclear Submarine Fleet

Several factors have led to submarines being decommissioned during underwater explorations, including encounters with sea mines and torpedos, accidents and intentional scuttling . However, an unexpected incident caused significant damage to a US Navy fleet, forcing a submarine to return to port. The culprit? A shark the size of a cat.

The US Navy's nuclear fleet was effected

This peculiar scenario unfolded within the US Navy's nuclear fleet - notably affecting the Ohio -class submarines - during the Cold War .

The Ohio -class comprises four guided missile submarines (SSGNs) - the USS Ohio , Michigan , Florida and Georgia - along with 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) — the USS Henry M. Jackson , Alabama , Alaska , Nevada , Tennessee , West Virginia , Kentucky , Pennsylvania , Nebraska , Maryland , Rhode Island , Louisiana , Wyoming and Maine .

What makes the Ohio -class unique?

Distinguished as the largest submarines ever constructed for the Navy and among the world's largest, they trail behind only the Russian Navy's Typhoon -class and Borei -class. Notably, the Ohio -class boasts a greater armament capacity, as each submarine is equipped with 24 Trident II missiles, surpassing the 16 on the Borei -class and 20 on the Typhoon -class.

Issues with technology started during the Cold War

The submarines were among the most advanced weapons technology during the Cold War. As they sailed beneath the water, officials began to note sporadic issues. These included leaking oil lines, chunks missing from electrical cables, damaged sonar domes and sound probes that would suddenly stop working.

Oftentimes, the damage was severe enough that the vessels needed to return to their bases for repairs.

Cookiecutter shark was the culprit

Initially, the Navy suspected the damage was caused by a new Soviet weapon, but it turned out to be something far more unexpected: the cookiecutter shark.

For those unfamiliar with the cookiecutter shark - also known as the cigar shark - it typically grows to between 16-20 inches in length and inhabits waters worldwide. It gets its name from the circular wounds it leaves on its prey, often much larger animals, which resemble the marks made by a cookie cutter.

A dome was added to protect the submarines

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Cookiecutter shark bites have been found on a wide variety of sea-life and have even been noted on manmade structures, such as oil rigs, as they attack any soft area that is exposed. The Navy eventually realized the shark was behind the damage to its nuclear submarines and decided the best way to counter it was to place a fiberglass dome around the vessels' most sensitive parts.