The Vanguard and Le Triomphant collision

Have submarines survived damage comparable to USS Redfish's wartime return?

HMS Vanguard and Le Triomphant are suggested as modern examples. Their lengthy repairs imply serious damage, although public details remain limited.

USS Redfish's return with a cracked pressure hull, damaged steering, and destroyed sonar prompts a comparison with HMS Vanguard and Le Triomphant. Their collision in the Atlantic is offered as a modern example, although public information is limited and the severity of the damage is inferred from lengthy dry-dock repairs. The boats' quietness is suggested as the reason neither detected the other. The accident supports an argument for a fifth SSBN in each fleet because losing one boat to repairs places pressure on a four-boat force. Broad separation of patrol areas is proposed as a way to reduce collision risk without disclosing exact positions.