New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-01
BODIES OF CREW
FOUND In F-4
Continued from page |

The storage batteries were in good
condition within the limitations OF de-
sign: .,,.o,..
in a state of being more or less electri-
cally grounded due to the leakage OF
electrolyte, or by capillary action OF the
electrolyte or moisture and poor insu-
lation, or bad electrical contact, ana
these said grounds have been noted to
be of sufficient intensity at times. TO
cause fame and the fusing Of electrical
connections.
"This condition is we'll known to the
officers and men of this submarine tor
pedo boat division, and due care is eX-
ercised in attempting to reduce this
danger to q minimum.
"The storage batteries during the
charging evolved excessive quantities
of hydrogen gas, and further, during
the early stages of discharging, quaint
ties of hydrogen gas were evolved and
the fumes of hydrogen and of acid be
came noticeable in the interior OF the
boat on long dives.
"On the F-4, on March 6, 1915, while
one electrical ventilator blower was
stopped for short period for minor
repairs, probably from ground in
the ventilating blowers electrical cir
cult, a hydrogen explosion took place
which damaged the battery deck and
broke several seperators OF the cells
of the storage batteries.
All in Peril of Explosion.
"The conditions under which an ex-
plosion of hydrogen is always possible
obtain in all The boats of the F class.
"The covering over the storage bat
l. Lot in d
ance with specifications for submarine
torpedo boat No. %, is to be prac-
tically gas tight and water tight, which
condition does not obtain, as this So
called battery deck does permit water
TO seep into The batteries.
"The sea water has at times seeped
into the cells of the storage batteries
of the boats of the F class, causing
the evolution of chlorine gas, which
gas is quickly destructive Of life
"A comparatively small amount Of
the sea water can cause the Liberation
Of sufficient chlorine gas TO asphyxi-
ate the crew of a submarine while in a
submerged condition.
This condition obtains in all boats
Cf the T class, and in the submarine
torpedo boat FL small quantity OF
sea water seeped into three Of the
cells of the forward storage battery
damaging the cells and liberating
quantities of chlorine gas. No fatali-
ties or injuries to personnel followed
Is the boat was moored to the dock and
the matches were omen at the time.
Steering Gear Had Given Trouble.
"The steering gear of the submarine
! torpedo boat F-4 had in the past given
design Of the said steering gear is
good and satisfactory.
"All inspections Of safety appliances,
so far as can be ascertained. have
/ been carried out, as required by the
navy regulations and orders from the
/ division commander Of this division.
/ "All inspections were regularly car
rled out by the commanding officer of
! the submarine.
1.-THE FL was locked recently, and
/ the question of stability Investigated
/ by the officers OF the navy yard and
found TO be satisfactory. In general,
4 the condition Of the "a, compe ed
+ favorably with the other three boats
| OF this type. The boat was main
tanned at as high state of efficiency
as was practicable within the limta-
4 tlons anu uehNlthNtNo NNt'fthb III WHO
type.
1.-THE action Of the F-4 has. in COM
mon with the other boats Of the same
type. in diving or trimming down, been
irregular, and the depth to which such
submarine torpedo boat would de-
seend is uncertain, and the method of
checking such a descent is dependent
more upon the skill of the commanding
officer than upon the mechanical appli-
ances of the boat.
"The officers and men of the F-4
we're, in so far as can be ascertained,
diligent and alert In the performance
of their duties, and no reluctance was
shown by them in operating the said
F-4. even though the said officers and
crew were we'll aware Of the existing
defects"