On 25th January 1968 the Israeli submarine Dakar was lost with all hands. I served aboard this submarine in 1963 when it was HMS Totem and I retain fond memories of those times. Today 45 years later, I still think of the crew lost in this tragedy. It matters not that I didn’t know them or if they were not part of the Royal Navy Submarine Service. Submariners of all Nations share a common and special bond, We have all been to the depths and understand the dangers and we mourn the loss of our brothers.
In 1965 T-class submarine HMS Totem was sold to the Israeli Navy and renamed INS Dakar. After commissioning in 1967 and on completion of various trials, Dakar left Portsmouth for Israel on 9 January 1968, expecting to arrive at her new home port on 2 February.
At 06:10 on 24 January Dakar transmitted her position, 34.16°N 26.26°E, just east of Crete. Over the next 18 hours she transmitted three control transmissions, which did not include her position; the last was at 00:02 25 January 1968. No further messages were received. The submarine was lost with all hands.
The INS Dakar now sails on her eternal patrol. Rest in Peace brave souls
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