The engineer is quoted to have said “Jack, get back, come on before we crack!”
I’m certain the reporting is wrong. It is inconceivable that there is only one depth gauge in the control room (not the bridge, which is located at the top of the sail [i.e. conning tower] and which is only utilized while on the surface).
What is conceivable is simple operator error, where the operators of the ship control panel focus their attention only on the primary depth gauge and angle indicator, instead of periodically cross-checking with the numerous secondary gauges like they are supposed to do.
Reading the article, it took personnel in the engineering spaces (who also have depth and/or pressure gauges) to raise the alarm. Pretty serious screw-up, IMHO.
Great. Now I got Genesis stuck in my head.
Thanks for the correction. Bridge sounded wrong, but I wasn’t sure what else to use. So I assume there are actually zero depth gauges on the bridge?
Not much point if it’s only used on the surface !
That’s correct. In fact, there is typically only a temporarily installed panel in place with heading info, engine order telegraph, communications equipment, etc.
I recall reading about an incident on a WWII sub — I believe it was the Harder — where the depth gauge in the control room malfunctioned. One of the electricians’ mates in the maneuvering room (the compartment aft of the engine rooms where power to the electric motors was controlled) looked at the depth gauge there and realized they were actually below the maximum rated depth. Much scrambling ensued.
It was an admittedly very lame joke.
or … maybe you meant to type “zero-depth guages” (ie guages which only
show a depth of zero feet !)
so, has that OP ever been confirmed? with 6 weeks having passed?